A major row has erupted between the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) and FC Barcelona after the club failed to inform national team medical staff that teenage sensation Lamine Yamal had undergone a significant medical procedure.
A Secret Procedure and a National Surprise
The controversy unfolded as the 18-year-old winger was called up for Spain's upcoming matches against Georgia and Turkey. However, in a move that blindsided the national setup, Yamal underwent a radiofrequency procedure on his persistent groin problem on the very morning he was due to report for international duty.
The RFEF's medical services stated they only learned of the 'invasive' procedure at 1:47 pm on Monday, November 10, the day the training camp began. Crucial details were not received until a report was sent at 10:40 pm that night, which recommended a rest period of 7-10 days for the player.
Spain's manager, Luis de la Fuente, expressed his profound surprise and disappointment. 'It doesn't seem very normal to me,' de la Fuente told RNE. 'I've never experienced a similar situation. These are procedures that happen outside the national team's control... I was surprised like everyone else.'
Internal Anger and a Decision for the Player's Welfare
Reports from Spain suggest that the national team's medical staff felt 'betrayed' by Barcelona's actions. There was even internal discussion about keeping Yamal with the squad as a rebuke to the club, with some staff believing he could have been fit to face Turkey.
However, de la Fuente immediately dismissed this idea, prioritising the player's recovery. The RFEF subsequently made the decision to release Yamal from the squad, citing the need to prioritise his 'health, safety and well-being' above all else.
This incident has heightened an existing club vs country tension. Barcelona boss Hansi Flick had previously criticised the RFEF's handling of Yamal during September's internationals, accusing them of not taking care of the player after he arrived with pain and required painkillers to feature in matches.
Attempts at Diplomacy and a Chronic Condition
In an effort to reduce tensions, high-level talks have taken place. RFEF sporting director Aitor Karanka held discussions with Barcelona counterpart Deco, while de la Fuente has expressed a desire to speak directly with manager Hansi Flick after the international window.
Barcelona president Joan Laporta defended the club's actions, insisting they informed the national team 'as soon as we knew' about the required rest period. He stated the club must manage player recovery at its own pace and that the situation was not intended to harm Spain, who are well-placed to qualify for the World Cup.
The underlying issue for Yamal is reported to be a condition called Pubalgia, often referred to as a sports hernia. This causes pain in the groin area due to a muscle imbalance and is common in young players still developing. It is a condition that afflicted Lionel Messi during his career, who described it as 'complicated' and not solvable 'overnight'.
Despite his youth, Yamal has already accumulated significant mileage, playing 117 matches for Barcelona's first team and earning 23 caps for Spain. His absence from the national squad, while a diplomatic headache, provides a crucial window for him to address a concerning and persistent physical issue.
