FC Barcelona youngster, Lamine Yamal will be missing Spain’s UEFA Nations League game with Serbia due to a muscle strain.
The decision to leave out Lamine Yamal from the game was made to prevent any further injury after he hobbled off in injury time during Spain’s 1-0 win over Denmark.
Although an MRI scan did not reveal any structural injury, the medical staff of the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) confirmed it as a case of muscle strain.
To prioritize the player’s health and avoid any risk of injury ahead of the upcoming match against Serbia, it has been decided to withdraw him from the squad. Lamine’s spot in the squad has been filled by Atletico Madrid’s Rodrigo Riquelme.
While acknowledging that tough tackles are part of playing at the highest level, Spain coach Luis de la Fuente emphasized the need to protect talented players like Lamine Yamal.
He praised Lamine’s exceptional attitude and talent, highlighting that opponents often use all available tactics within the rules to stop the 17-year-old winger.
“The referee has to protect these talented players, but Lamine has to get used to it,” said De la Fuente.
“Lamine displayed an exceptional attitude and generated a lot for us from the right flank. He has a special talent. I had a teammate who used to say: ‘What do you want, kisses [from the opponents]?’
“Teams will use the weapons they can within the rules.”
