Spain boss De la Fuente explains why Lamine Yamal was called up, but not Nico Williams | OneFootball

Spanish national team head coach Luis de la Fuente has provided an explanation for his decision to call Lamine Yamal up for his latest squad, whilst leaving out Nico William.

This comes with the pair both suffering with lingering pubalgia problems at present.

Barcelona standout Lamine was of course forced into a swift departure from the Spain camp early this week.

As much came after the 18-year-old underwent a round of pubalgia treatment under the supervision of the Barcelona medical staff.

Lamine, though, has in fact been struggling for fitness for several months now, in and out of Hansi Flick’s XI as a result.

Speaking during an interview with Cadena SER this week, the aforementioned Luis de la Fuente was therefore drawn on his decision to call the young winger up at all.

Specifically, Spain’s headmaster was asked why he did not afford the same courtesy to Nico Williams, amid the Athletic Club star’s own struggles with pubalgia.

And De la Fuente went on to explain:

“The cases are different. Nico did not participate in the Champions League match on Wednesday, and he has a long history of injuries. His club decided to use him in the match on Sunday, and that’s their right and they are the ones who bear the risk. We saw that he did not participate in the previous match, and this indicates that he was not ready for the important upcoming matches for us… Lamine was ready.”

Conor Laird – GSFN