The Spanish Football Association (RFEF) has voiced its “surprise and concern” after learning that Barcelona winger Lamine Yamal underwent a groin procedure without its prior knowledge, leading to his withdrawal from Spain’s squad for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers.
The 18-year-old was named in Luis de la Fuente’s squad for matches against Georgia and Turkey on 15 and 18 November, but was released after the RFEF discovered he had undergone an invasive radiofrequency treatment to address discomfort in his pubic area.
According to a federation statement, Spain’s medical staff were unaware of the procedure until they received a medical report late on Monday evening — hours after the national team’s training camp had already begun.
“The medical services of the Royal Spanish Football Federation wish to express their surprise and concern upon learning, at 13:47 on Monday, that Lamine Yamal had undergone an invasive procedure earlier that same morning,” the statement read.
“The treatment was carried out without prior communication to the national team’s medical staff, who only received a report at 22:40 detailing a recommendation of seven to ten days of rest. With the player’s health as our top priority, the RFEF has decided to release him from the current squad.”
Lamine Yamal featured and scored in Barcelona’s 4-2 victory over Celta Vigo on Sunday before being substituted in stoppage time. Spain coach Luis de la Fuente admitted he was caught off guard by the situation.
“I had never experienced anything like this,” said De la Fuente. “You don’t know, you haven’t heard anything, and then you’re told about a medical issue. It’s surprising.”
Rayo Vallecano winger Jorge de Frutos has been called up as Yamal’s replacement.
Spain currently top Group E in World Cup qualifying, three points ahead of Turkey with two matches remaining.
The incident marks the latest flashpoint in the increasingly strained relationship between Barcelona and the Spanish federation over the handling of Lamine Yamal’s fitness.
During the September international window, Barça manager Hansi Flick criticised Spain’s medical management after the teenager aggravated a minor groin issue while on national duty, subsequently missing four club matches. De la Fuente responded by insisting Spain never took unnecessary risks and that any player deemed fit for club action could be selected for international duty.
Further friction arose in October, when Yamal was again named in Spain’s squad only for Barcelona to announce hours later that he was injured. The RFEF maintained that the player had reported no issues upon arrival at camp.
The latest episode — in which Barcelona reportedly acted without informing Spain — appears to have deepened that rift.
De la Fuente acknowledged that clubs have the right to manage medical procedures independently but admitted this case was unprecedented during his tenure.
Sources close to Barcelona have insisted the club has been transparent and in regular contact with the RFEF, stressing that all decisions regarding Yamal’s treatment were made responsibly and in coordination with the player to ensure his full recovery.
