Spain coach rejects claims Lamine Yamal received 'special privileges'

Spain head coach Luis de la Fuente on Wednesday denied that Lamine Yamal had been afforded "special privileges" after the 19-year-old remained in Barcelona instead of travelling to Thursday's Nations League match against the Czech Republic. De la Fuente said the decision followed discomfort and inflammation in Yamal's right knee after Barcelona's La Liga win over Atletico Madrid and that the player stayed to work with his club's medical staff.

Yamal became the youngest ever player to win the European Championship when Spain triumphed at Euro 2024. Spanish media reports suggested he had been allowed to join the national squad later than the rest of the players, prompting public comment from the coach. The debate over his squad arrival has unfolded amid scrutiny of his workload for club and country. De la Fuente addressed the reports directly, saying the coverage contained falsehoods and fabrications.

On why Yamal did not travel, De la Fuente said: "I decided that, to avoid the trip, it would be better for him to stay at home and continue treatment with his club." He added: "Lamine [Yamal] doesn't have any special privileges. We would have done this for any other player." The coach also criticised those he said were spreading untruths: "What hurts me most is the lying, the lack of rigour, the absence of truthfulness and the fabrication. I can't stand people who try to deceive you and lie."

The situation has intensified focus on Yamal's playing load, with the winger a regular starter for both Barcelona and Spain despite his age. He has played 16 times for his club this season, scoring 13 times and producing 12 assists. He played 45 matches last season and has played 14 times for Spain in 2026.

Real Sociedad captain Mikel Oyarzabal is also expected to join the Spain squad late as he recovers from flu and after recently welcoming his second child. Barcelona's victory over Atletico Madrid, the game after which Yamal reported discomfort, left the Catalan side three points clear in the league as they came from behind against Atletico.

Yamal is expected to rejoin the Spain squad before Sunday's match against England (19:45 GMT), and De la Fuente said: "The recovery is going well and we believe he will be with us on Friday."