De la Fuente clear on Barcelona star: If he plays Champions League, he joins Spain squad | OneFootball

FC Barcelona star Lamine Yamal has been in the limelight in recent weeks for all the right and wrong reasons. He has been suffering from physical issues that have not allowed him to play at his best level, especially in the Clasico.

Lamine is suffering from pubalgia, an injury that does not have a designated cure. He needs rest whenever possible to manage his discomfort, but Barcelona’s current situation, with all the injuries, is not allowing that.

According to SPORT, Spain manager Luis de la Fuente remains intent on including Lamine in his squad for the November international fixtures, even though Barcelona would prefer that he stay in Catalonia to continue his recovery.

The national team coach’s stance is clear: if Lamine is fit enough to play for Barcelona in the Champions League, he is fit enough to represent Spain.

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This difference of opinion has reignited tensions between Barcelona and the Spanish federation over how to manage the youngster’s minutes.

Flick was already frustrated during the September international break when Lamine, still not fully fit, was forced to take injections and played over 150 minutes for Spain against Bulgaria and Turkey. The winger returned to Barcelona carrying discomfort that has persisted since then, causing him to miss several matches.

Although relations between Flick and De la Fuente have reportedly improved since that incident, communication between both camps still seems limited. Everyone involved shares the same goal of helping Spain’s brightest young talent return to his best form, but their approaches differ.

Despite missing the previous international window, Lamine has featured regularly for Barcelona since his return, playing 317 minutes, scoring once, and providing an assist. His recent workload only adds to the concern surrounding his fitness management.

Spain are in a very comfortable position with regards to their qualification for the World Cup in the United States, and it makes no sense to risk Lamine. A couple of weeks of rest would do him the world of good, and a fully fit Lamine would benefit both Barcelona and Spain.

For now, much will depend on his participation in Barcelona’s upcoming match against Club Brugge. If he plays, De la Fuente is expected to call him up once again. It is now up to both managers to act with caution and ensure that the player’s health is placed above all other considerations.