The federation has expressed its frustration at learning about the player’s treatment only after it had happened
The Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) has criticised Barcelona for not informing them in advance that Lamine Yamal had undergone a medical procedure that forced his withdrawal from Spain’s squad for this month’s World Cup qualifiers.
Yamal was named in Luis de la Fuente’s squad for matches against Georgia and Turkey but was ruled out on Monday after receiving treatment for a groin problem.
The issue of Yamal’s fitness has been a source of conflict between Barcelona and Spain. In September manager Hansi Flick accused Spain of not taking care of young players, after Yamal returned injured from Spain duty.
However, the national side feel they have been careful to protect the player, and have continued to call up him up for national team duty in the international windows since then, despite widespread concern the youngster is playing too many games.
The 18-year-old forward has been managing the groin condition called pubalgia since September. This week, with Barcelona’s approval, he underwent what the RFEF described as an “invasive radiofrequency procedure” to fix the problem.
In a statement, the federation expressed its frustration at learning about the treatment only after it had happened.
“The Medical Services of the RFEF wish to express their surprise and discomfort after learning at 13:47 on Monday, November 10, the day of the start of the official training camp, that player Lamine Yamal had undergone an invasive radiofrequency procedure for the treatment of his pubic discomfort that same morning,” the statement read.
“This procedure was carried out without prior communication to the medical staff of the National Team, with knowledge of the details only through a report received at 22:40 last night, which indicated the medical recommendation of rest for 7-10 days.
“Given this situation, and prioritising at all times the health, safety and well-being of the player, the Royal Spanish Football Federation has made the decision to release the athlete from the current call-up. We are confident that he will recover well and wish him a speedy and full recovery.”
