De la Fuente reveals details behind Yamal's absence from Czech Republic clash

Luis de la Fuente, the head coach of Spain, revealed details about the absence of young star Lamine Yamal for the upcoming match against Czech Republic, scheduled for Thursday, November 12, in the group stage of the UEFA Nations League. He confirmed that the decision was made for medical reasons and not to give the FC Barcelona player any special treatment.

The Spanish Football Federation has officially excluded Lamine Yamal, a three-time winner of the Best Emerging Talent award, due to a minor knee injury he has been feeling since his last appearance with FC Barcelona in LaLiga.

The young winger suffered a knock to his right knee during the match against Atlético, which ended with the Catalan team winning 2-1, before medical examinations revealed inflammation and fluid accumulation in the affected area.

After assessing the player's condition, the medical teams of Spain and FC Barcelona have agreed for him to remain in Catalonia to continue his treatment program and focus on recovery, with a new evaluation scheduled for Friday to determine his availability for the national team's camp.

The decision to exclude Lamine Yamal has sparked controversy in Spanish football circles, with some speculating that the FC Barcelona star receives special treatment within the national team. This prompted De la Fuente to clarify the situation during the press conference, expressing his anger at the doubts cast on the coaching staff's decisions.

Spain coach said: "It is sad and unfortunate that some speak without knowing the facts, and that is why I am here to clarify things. Lamine Yamal is suffering from inflammation in his knee."

He added sharply: "I can't stand people who try to deceive you and lie to you. What hurts me the most is the lies, the lack of accuracy and credibility, and the fabrication of things."

De la Fuente discussed the details of the player's injury, explaining: "Lamine Yamal was undergoing treatment after suffering an injury in the last match, and he was feeling pain in one of his knees. He received the usual treatment and underwent an MRI in Barcelona, which revealed inflammation and fluid accumulation in the knee, so it was best to give him rest."

He continued: "I preferred him to stay at home to train with his club, and if he is ready by Friday, he will join the national team camp. Is that clear now?"

The head coach emphasized that Yamal does not receive any special privileges, confirming that the coaching staff treats all players equally, and that the decision made regarding the FC Barcelona star would have been applied to any other player facing the same medical circumstances.

He concluded his statements by saying: "He does not receive any special treatment, and his teammates understand this, as we treat everyone the same way, and this happened in these two occasions as well. We would have made the same decision with any other player, and everyone within the national team is aware of that."

While awaiting the new medical assessment, Lamine Yamal's position regarding joining Spain's camp remains undecided, while De la Fuente must prepare the necessary attacking alternatives to face the Czech Republic in the absence of one of his standout young players.