Barcelona star defends Lamine yamal’s absence from Spain camp and shifts focus to available players | OneFootball

FC Barcelona and Luis de la Fuente are involved in a cold war regarding Lamine Yamal’s involvement during international matches. For the recent November international break, the Catalan club pulled one over the Spanish federation.

FC Barcelona announced at the very last minute that Lamine had undergone an invasive procedure to treat his pubalgia and needed to rest for 7–10 days, leaving Luis de la Fuente in shock and disbelief.

Ahead of Spain’s fixtures, Ferran Torres was asked about Lamine’s absence and, as quoted by Mundo Deportivo, said:

“I was surprised the first question wasn’t about Lamine. Those of us who are available come here, and we have to focus on that.”

Photo by Stuart Franklin/Getty Images

Ferran is right. Lately, much of the chatter around Spain has centred on Lamine Yamal, but that should not be the case. La Roja have many talented players in the squad and do not need the teenager to secure one point from two games to clinch World Cup qualification.

Lamine, meanwhile, remains a coveted asset for club and country, and treating his pubalgia now is far more important in the bigger picture. Spain will only benefit from having a fully fit Lamine Yamal at the 2026 World Cup.

The teenager has shown signs of returning to his best in recent weeks. His performance against Club Brugge was close to his top level, and he followed it up with a decent display against Celta Vigo in La Liga.

It remains to be seen whether Lamine is back to his best when Barcelona return against Athletic Bilbao. Let us wait and see how things play out.