Luis de la Fuente backs Lamine Yamal’s knee decision amid bias claims
Spain manager Luis de la Fuente addressed the media earlier today, giving an update on Barcelona winger Lamine Yamal’s fitness and rejecting suggestions that the 19‑year‑old received preferential treatment after being released from the national team camp and the La Roja squad.
Injury details and squad impact
De la Fuente explained that Yamal had been named in Spain’s UEFA Nations League squad for the upcoming fixtures against Czechia and England. However, a minor knee discomfort forced him to miss the first match against Czechia, prompting his return to Barcelona rather than joining the national camp.
The decision sparked debate over alleged preferential treatment, which the coach addressed by saying, “Speaking from a place of ignorance is sad, regrettable. That’s why I’m here to shed some light on the matter.” De la Fuente confirmed that Yamal was suffering from knee inflammation with fluid buildup.
Spain's De La Fuente on Yamal: knee problem, enough lies
Medical staff from Barcelona and Spain evaluated the condition and the coach decided the forward should not travel to Prague. He added, “Lamine is suffering from inflammation in his knee, he has fluid buildup,” and explained, “Our medical staff, along with those of his club, assessed the situation, and I decided that, to avoid this trip, I preferred he stay home training with the club.”
Denial of preferential treatment and recovery hopes
De la Fuente insisted there was no special treatment, stating that the same approach would have been taken with any other player. He reiterated, “Lamine doesn’t have any special treatment. We would have done this for any other player.”
While Yamal is expected to be available for the England game, the coach expressed frustration with the media, saying, “What hurts me the most is the lies, the lack of rigor, the lack of truthfulness, and the fabrication.” Nevertheless, he sounded optimistic about the winger’s recovery, noting that after speaking with him yesterday and today, “His progress is good. His recovery is going well, and we believe he’ll be with us on Friday.”