de la Fuente backs Lamine Yamal, slams rumours before Prague clash
Spain coach Luis de la Fuente defended Barcelona forward Lamine Yamal, explained why the teenager did not travel to Praga for the Nations League tie with the República Checa, and said he expects the player back for the Sunday match against Inglaterra.
Injury explains Yamal's non‑travel
The absence of Lamine Yamal from the España delegation that flew to Praga sparked controversy, with rumours suggesting he tried to avoid the Thursday fixture.
De la Fuente rejected those claims, calling the speculation "sad and lamentable" and urging those speaking from ignorance to "see the truth".
He detailed that Yamal finished the previous encounter with Atlético de Madrid nursing knee discomfort, and scans in Barcelona revealed inflammation and fluid, prompting the decision to keep him in the city for recovery.
"Lamine had a process, got hurt in the last match, showed inflammation and fluid in the knee. I invited him to rest and preferred he stay at home training with the club," the coach said.
Luis de la Fuente urges Lamine Yamal to emulate Messi and Ronaldo
De la Fuente also attacked the spread of false versions, saying he "cannot stand people who lie and invent facts" and that the lack of rigour hurts him.
He stressed that Yamal has no special privilege, that all players are treated equally and that the same approach would be taken with any other squad member.
Comparing the rumor‑mongers to ancient Greek sophists, he warned they construct realities far from the truth.
Beyond the dispute, de la Fuente expressed optimism about Yamal's progress and confidence he will be available for the Sunday clash with Inglaterra.
Rest imposed on Lamine Yamal before the Nations League, La Roja reacts
"I have spoken with him yesterday and today. The evolution is good, and I am optimistic that on Friday he will be with us," he concluded.
España will meet the República Checa on Thursday at Letná stadium in Praga and hopes to have Yamal back for the Sunday showdown with Inglaterra in Madrid. Olé and EFE reported the comments.