The teenager’s groin injury is a recurrence of the same issue he suffered last month
Yamal has been withdrawn from the Spain squad on the same day he was called up, after Barcelona announced he has suffered a recurrence of the groin injury that kept him out for four games in September.
The 18-year-old forward sustained the injury after playing for Spain in September’s international window. He returned just last week and played in the second half against Real Sociedad, before playing full time against Paris Saint-Germain on Wednesday.
Spain then recalled him to the squad again for October’s qualifying games against Georgia and Bulgaria, but Barcelona announced his injury just hours later.
The club said the winger would miss between two to three weeks of football, starting with Sunday’s match against Sevilla.
Barcelona’s manager Hansi Flick previously criticised Spain’s handling of Yamal, accusing coach Luis De la Fuente of not taking care of young players.
De la Fuente defended himself earlier today, saying he and his staff take “zero risks” with players.
“Whoever comes in, comes in healthy, fit to play,” said De la Fuente. “And when they go back home, it is because we have judged there was a risk in staying with us.
“I always tell the truth. What happened was, when the game [against Turkey] ended, he had a bit of an issue. But I don’t pick players who are carrying an injury.
“Our medical services have explained it, I have explained it. If he had an issue after the game, I don’t know.”
