Controversy over Lamine Yamal's absence before England

In the hushed silence of Prague's stadium, the absence of the FC Barcelona prodigy Lamine Yamal immediately fed the suspicions of Spanish observers, convinced that he had chosen to avoid the trip to preserve himself before the clash against England in Madrid on Sunday.

Facing the controversy, Luis de la Fuente launched a outburst in front of the press on Wednesday, stating: “I do not tolerate people who try to deceive and lie.” He added that “talking without knowing is the saddest and most regrettable thing in life.” According to the coach, Lamine Yamal injured his knee, feeling a discomfort that led him to see his own doctor, who found fluid and inflammation, justifying rest. The medical team, in agreement with the club doctor and the coach, decided that the player would stay at home, train with FC Barcelona and join the group on Friday.

Spain’s de la Fuente rejects claims of favour for Lamine Yamal

Coach's statement

De la Fuente emphasized that Yamal receives no special privilege and that the same decision would have been made for any player, adding that lying, lack of rigor and fabrication hurt him the most. On Cadena SER, journalist Manu Carreño considered it legitimate to spare the young prodigy, like Kylian Mbappé, Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo, believing that Spain must accept having, for the first time, a player of this level in the national team. Yamal is expected to be present at the squad gathering on Friday and play Sunday evening at the Santiago Bernabéu stadium in the duel against the Three Lions.

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