Barcelona wonderkid will be monitored closely after minor injury scare on national team duty | OneFootball

Spain secured a convincing 3-0 victory over Bulgaria in their opening 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying match on Thursday night.

Two Barcelona players, Pedri and Lamine Yamal, started the game for Luis de la Fuente’s side and played a key role, with the teenage prodigy even setting up La Roja’s third goal scored by Mikel Merino.

However, there was a concerning moment in the second period as Lamine suffered from some discomfort in his back, leading to his substitution in the 79th minute.

Lamine to be monitored closely

While it has since been confirmed that the problem is nothing major or serious, SPORT now reports that De la Fuente and his staff plan to closely monitor and protect Lamine during the recovery phase, particularly as players with higher workloads follow a different schedule.

Lamine Yamal ended the game with a back issue. (Photo by Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images)

Speaking after the game, the Spain manager confirmed there were no injury concerns with any of his players, saying:

“We could have drawn some more positive conclusions, but we all finished the game uninjured. It was a difficult match, and the next one will be much better.”

As things stand, Yamal’s availability for Spain’s crucial match against Turkey on Sunday is not expected to be in doubt.

The team will train in Bulgaria before travelling to Turkey, where they will stay overnight ahead of the encounter. And the 18-year-old’s condition and fitness will be closely monitored during this.

Barcelona will also be keeping a close eye on the situation surrounding their teenage wonderkid, who has started the new season on a strong note, having been directly involved in a goal in each of his appearances.