World Soccer.—The Spanish national team will have to face one of its Nations League matches without one of its key players. Lamine Yamal will not be available for the game against the Czech Republic after experiencing discomfort in his right knee during Barcelona’s match against Atlético Madrid.
The news was confirmed by the Royal Spanish Soccer Federation, which reported that the forward will delay his arrival at the national team’s training camp while he continues his recovery in Barcelona.
After undergoing various medical tests, it was determined that it would be best for the young forward to remain under the supervision of Barcelona’s medical staff. For this reason, he will not travel to Madrid to prepare for the match on Thursday, November 12.
The situation, however, does not mean he is ruled out of all of Spain’s activities during this international window. The federation remains hopeful that he will be able to join the squad in the coming days and be available for the match against England, scheduled for Sunday, November 15.
The discomfort arose after Barcelona’s victory
Yamal experienced discomfort in his right knee following the match against Atlético Madrid on Sunday, November 8. Barcelona secured a 2-1 victory in a game in which the winger played a key role by assisting Fermín López on the goal that decided the outcome.
The player competed for the full 90 minutes, and following a medical evaluation, both the club and the national team agreed that he should continue his recovery at Barcelona’s facilities before rejoining the national team.
The federation explained that it will maintain constant communication with the club’s medical staff to monitor the player’s progress and determine when he will be able to rejoin the squad.
Spain will also have another absence against the Czech Republic
Lamine Yamal won’t be the only player joining the Spanish squad late. Mikel Oyarzabal, a forward for Real Sociedad, will also remain in San Sebastián while he finishes recovering from the flu.
The forward will remain under medical observation and, like Yamal, is expected to be available for the match against England, provided his recovery progresses favorably.
Spain heads into this matchday as the leader of its Nations League group, with 12 points after four games. England is in second place with nine points, while Croatia has three and the Czech Republic has yet to earn any points.
The match against the Czechs represents an opportunity for the Spanish team to maintain its lead in the standings, although it will have to do so without Yamal. Attention will be focused on his recovery and the possibility of seeing him back in the national team jersey against England.
For now, the goal is to avoid taking unnecessary risks with the Barcelona player. His return will depend on how his knee responds over the next few days and on the assessment made by the medical staff of both teams.
