Lamine Yamal removed from Spain squad after undergoing invasive procedure, RFEF express their ‘surprise and discomfort’

The Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) have expressed their “surprise and discomfort” at Barcelona’s decision to give star winger Lamine Yamal treatment on his groin injury that has forced his withdrawal from the national team squad for the upcoming fixtures.

The ongoing row between the RFEF and Barca over Yamal’s national team commitments reached crisis point this morning when a statement revealed the 18-year-old had undergone a procedure that means he will be sidelined for up to 10 days.

The RFEF claim they were unaware with Yamal now unavailable for Spain’s World Cup doubleheader against Georgia and Turkey.

An RFEF statement read: “The RFEF Medical Services wish to express their surprise and discomfort after learning at 13:47 on Monday, November 10, the day of the beginning of the official gathering of the national team, that the player Lamine Yamal had undergone an invasive radiofrequency procedure for the treatment of his pubaglia discomfort that same morning.

“This procedure has been carried out without prior communication to the medical staff of the Selection, being aware of the details of it only through a report received at 10:40 p.m. last night, in which the medical recommendation of rest for 7-10 days is indicated.

“Given this situation, and prioritizing at all times the health, safety and well-being of the player, the Royal Spanish Football Federation has made the decision to release the athlete from this call.

“We trust that you can evolve favorably and wish you a speedy and complete recovery.”

De la Fuente thought Yamal was ‘ready to play’

Yamal has been struggling with pubaglia in his groin but has played the full 90 minutes in three of Barca’s last four games and, asked about the teenager when he named the squad, Spain boss Luis de la Fuente said: “I think the answer is obvious. I watched his last game, and I believe he’s in perfect condition. 

“His coach said he was ready to play. He’s getting back to being the player he always has been, and we celebrate that. He will stay with us as long as we consider it appropriate.

“We have two very important games and we need to field our best players. We have two hugely important matches to qualify for the World Cup, the stakes are massive and we want the best players with us.”

Yamal won’t play a part in Spain’s World Cup qualification bid

Spain will make sure of their place in the United States, Canada and Mexico this week if they beat Georgia and Turkey fail to defeat Bulgaria. If that does not happen, qualification will go down to the final matchday.

It is highly likely European champions Spain will advance but that will do little too quell the growing tension between the federation and Barcelona.

Yamal sustained an injury during the September international break which prompted a furious reaction from Blaugrana boss Hansi Flick, who said: “They gave him painkillers to play. They had at least a three-goal lead in every match, and he played 73 minutes and 79, and between matches he couldn’t train. That is not taking care of the player. I am very sad about this.”           

The RFEF later called-up Rayo Vallecano winger Jorge de Frutos as Yamal’s replacement.