Luis de la Fuente is furious with journalists for claiming that Lamine Yamal receives preferential treatment in the Spain squad, after the Barcelona forward was allowed to remain at his club for treatment on a knee injury.
Yamal will miss Thursday’s Nations League match against Czechia but is expected to rejoin the squad before Sunday’s meeting with England. Spain manager De la Fuente said the decision was made on medical grounds and would have applied to any player.
“Lamine doesn’t have any special privileges,” he said. “We would have done this for any other player.”
He added: “What hurts me most is the lying, the lack of rigor, the absence of truthfulness and the fabrication. That is why I’ve shared more than I perhaps should have, but it is the only way for people to know the truth. I can’t stand people who try to deceive you and lie.”
Yamal reported discomfort in his right knee after Barcelona’s 2-1 victory over Atletico Madrid on Sunday. Spain’s medical staff assessed the problem and decided he should avoid travelling with the squad so he could receive treatment in Barcelona.
De la Fuente said he had spoken to the 19-year-old on Tuesday and Wednesday and was encouraged by his progress.
“The recovery is going well, and we believe he will be with us on Friday,” he said.
Yamal was not the only Spain international given permission to join the squad later. Real Sociedad’s Mikel Oyarzabal was also expected to report late as he recovered from flu at home in San Sebastian.
Spain have already secured qualification for the Nations League quarter-finals after winning their first four group matches. They lead the standings with 12 points, three ahead of England, who visit them on Sunday. Croatia have three points and Czechia remain without a point.
