On Friday, the Barcelona team confirmed that 18-year-old winger Lamine Yamal will miss Spain’s next World Cup qualifiers against Georgia and Bulgaria because he suffered a repeat of his groin injury. This is a blow only a few days into Yamal, who had started in Barcelona just a month before, in a 2-1 loss in the Champions League against Paris Saint-Germain.
Many regard the teenager as one of the most promising in Spain. He will miss as much as three weeks, which is a blow not only to his country but also to his club. The loss of Yamal may be a big one as Barcelona prepares to encounter a clash of the titans, Barcelona vs. Real Madrid, on October 26.
Spain coach Luis de la Fuente responded to the concerns about Yamal managing his injuries, after he was criticised by Barcelona coach Hansi Flick. Flick claimed that the winger’s condition had aggravated when he played in international qualifiers in September. Although De la Fuente recognised that Flick was frustrated, he ruled out the threat of conflict and the need to give attention to the paramount World Cup qualifying campaign in Spain.
De la Fuente explained that nothing ensued except a slight inconvenience post-match. Our medical personnel have been candid, and I cannot see a big issue. It now comes to games with Georgia and Bulgaria.
The absence of Nico Williams, Dani Carvajal, and Alvaro Morata also affects the Spain squad, and De la Fuente has fewer attacking options. The October fixtures were, however, imperative as far as ensuring the qualification route was concerned since Spain took the lead of Group E with six points after two matches.
In Barcelona’s case, Yamal’s injury highlights the increased pressure on young stars to balance club and country pressures. The Clasico is a major event; however, the danger of bringing Yamal back too soon may have long-term effects on his development.
