“If it has to happen, it’ll happen”- De la Fuente hits back at claims about Lamine Yamal being overplayed as Barcelona star withdraws from Spain squad
Spain manager Luis de la Fuente has refuted claims that Barcelona star Lamine Yamal is being overplayed. This comes after the youngster returned to his club after a reported hamstring issue on international duty.
Lamine Yamal started for Spain in their UEFA Nations League group-stage clash against Denmark at home on Saturday, October 12. He played the entire 90 minutes but was subbed off in stoppage time. Some reports suggest that he has suffered a hamstring injury.
The 17-year-old winger has now returned to Barcelona and will recover there. Meanwhile, Spain are set to face Serbia in the Nations League on Tuesday, October 15. Ahead of the clash, Luis de la Fuenta said about Yamal (via Daily Mail):
"Lamine had some discomfort at the end of the match. I spoke to him and he told me that he thought he wouldn't be 100% fit on Tuesday and when in doubt we always bet on the health of the athlete. Football is football, if it has to happen, it will happen. The message is always the same and that's why he's at home. He played because he had to play and there's no more debate."
When asked about the notion from some Barcelona fans and pundits that Lamine Yamal is being overplayed, De la Fuente said:
"What saddens me the most is that there are people who take the bait. I'll make that clear. Last year we played 17 international matches because we were lucky enough to reach the final of the European Championship, but this year we're going to play ten. In total 27 in two years, one a month. The problem is another and we have enough with our own problems.
"I haven't spoken to anyone at Barça, although I have a good relationship with them. He's been honest, he's not feeling well and I thank him for his maturity to tell me that he's not 100 percent. I thank him for that."
At the club level, Yamal has played 879 minutes this season across 11 appearances, registering five goals and five assists. He also played one entire game and one half for Spain during September's international break.
Barcelona legend lauds Lamine Yamal but stresses the need to monitor his development
Lamine Yamal made his senior debut for Barcelona in the 2022-23 season at just 15 years old. He then had a breakout 2023-24 season, registering 50 appearances across competitions and contributing seven goals and nine assists. He also helped Spain win the UEFA Euro 2024, playing all seven games and recording one goal and four assists.
Barcelona legend Andres Iniesta, who recently retired from football, heaped praise on Lamine Yamal and said:
"He seems like an extraordinary talent to me. At 17 he has done very important and above-average things, and now the important thing is to continue to look after him and make sure that everything is strictly controlled so that he continues to develop and grow.
“He is very young and he will have to improve every year to maintain this progress.”
Barcelona will hope Yamal's injury isn't too serious as they're already dealing with injuries to key players like Ronald Araujo and Gavi. They are set to face Sevilla at home in LaLiga next on Sunday, October 20.