Yamal Likely Out for Three Weeks Due to Groin Injury Recurrence

Lamine Yamal will probably miss Spain’s upcoming World Cup qualifying matches against Georgia and Bulgaria this month. Barcelona confirmed on Friday that he is suffering from a recurrence of his groin injury.

The 18-year-old winger is anticipated to be off the field for approximately three weeks. This setback follows the re-emergence of the groin issue during Wednesday’s 2-1 defeat to Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League.

Yamal had started his first game since August in that Champions League match, following a recovery period of four games due to an initial groin injury. This situation had previously sparked concerns from Barcelona coach Hansi Flick, who believed the injury was aggravated by Yamal’s participation in September’s World Cup qualifiers.

Earlier on Friday, Spain’s coach, Luis de la Fuente, addressed Flick’s earlier critique of the national team’s handling of the young player, stating that he had no issues with Flick.

“There is no conflict with Flick. I was a bit taken aback by those comments because he has been a national team coach and I believed he would have empathy,” De la Fuente commented after he revealed his squad for the forthcoming qualifiers.

“We are facing two very vital matches; we are competing for a spot in the World Cup. It feels like that is secondary, and we are focusing on Flick.

“Our focus is on securing a place in the World Cup. The rest is secondary. Everyone has voiced their opinion, and that concludes it.”

Flick had mentioned that he communicated briefly with De la Fuente via text, but suggested their communication could be better.

De la Fuente aimed to clarify the situation on Friday, seeking to put the matter to rest.

“What occurred was, he experienced some discomfort at the match’s conclusion. However, I’ve always played with some level of discomfort. Nothing significant occurred,” he explained.

“Our medical personnel have clarified it, and I have also provided an explanation. That’s all there is to it. Did he experience discomfort post-match? I am unsure.”

Lamine Yamal’s recent injury also raises concerns about his potential participation in the Clasico against Real Madrid on October 26.

Spain will also be missing Nico Williams and Dani Carvajal next week. Alvaro Morata has not been included in the squad due to a slow start to the season at Como.

Athletic Bilbao winger Williams has been sidelined since sustaining a groin injury during the 6-0 victory over Turkey. It has been reported that his club requested a management of his playing time due to physical discomfort.

“Risks are always present in football and sports in general. If he participates with his club, he assumes these risks. These are typical situations,” De la Fuente noted.

Spain currently leads Group E with six points, earned from two matches. They will play Georgia in Elche on October 11 and host Bulgaria in Valladolid three days afterward.