Rest imposed on Lamine Yamal before the Nations League, La Roja reacts

While Kylian Mbappé's case fuels debate in France, Lamine Yamal's situation occupies a place in Spain: the Barcelona winger will not be present on Thursday during Spain's trip to the Czech Republic for the Nations League matchday fixture at 20:45, a rest approved by the manager of the Roja.

Luis de la Fuente confirmed that he preferred to leave Lamine Yamal alone after the player suffered a knock to the knee during the La Liga clash won by the Blaugrana on Sunday against Atlético de Madrid (1-2, matchday 12).

It is not the manager who was targeted by the criticism, but the player himself.

Luis de la Fuente urges Lamine Yamal to emulate Messi and Ronaldo

In the programme, Edu Aguirre accused Lamine Yamal of picking his matches, stating: « If you’re not present for Thursday’s match, then you don’t come to play the Sunday match. That’s it. Are you injured? You don’t come. I don’t like these pick‑your‑own‑games selections. »

Lamine Yamal’s absence fuels the debate, the journalist concluding: « Well yes, it’s certainly nicer to play against England at the Metropolitano. A bit less traveling to the Czech Republic. »

Some observers view this choice as a negative message for the other players, while Luis de la Fuente reminded that he is the sole decision‑maker and asserted that Lamine Yamal is ready to play.