Barca Universal
·3 October 2025
De la Fuente will call up Barcelona prodigy for upcoming matches despite club’s protest – report

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Yahoo sportsBarca Universal
·3 October 2025
According to a fresh update from MARCA, tension is rising again between Barcelona and the Spanish national team over the management of Lamine Yamal.
Despite the Blaugrana’s anger and clear discontent, Spain coach Luis de la Fuente is likely to include the teenager in his squad for the next international break. The official announcement will be made later today.
The friction between Barça and the Spanish federation stems from the way Yamal was handled during the last set of international matches.
The young winger played against Turkey even though he was struggling with lower back pain. That injury concern only grew worse during training camp.
Matters escalated when medical staff from the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) administered an anti-inflammatory injection, Voltaren, in his gluteus to ease the discomfort.
The problem reportedly began after Yamal picked up a knock in the earlier match against Bulgaria, which further complicated the situation.
The episode drew a strong reaction from Barcelona boss Hansi Flick, who publicly criticised the way Yamal was being treated.
Will Lamine Yamal be included in the Spanish squad? (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)
In response, De la Fuente brushed off the remarks, claiming he “didn’t even remember” what the Barcelona manager had said.
Despite Barcelona formally complaining to the RFEF about how their player was managed, De la Fuente went on to use Yamal in both international fixtures last month.
This decision has fuelled more friction between the club and Spain, with Barça keen to protect their young star from unnecessary risk.
Now, fully fit again, Yamal has been a crucial part of Barcelona’s squad under Flick this season, proving his importance in both La Liga and Europe.
However, the national team views him as equally vital, and if reports are accurate, he will once again be called up for the upcoming internationals against Georgia and Bulgaria.
For Barcelona, this situation is far from ideal. The club believes that the winger’s long-term health should be prioritised, while Spain are determined to rely on him in key fixtures.