Barcelona starlet Lamine Yamal has been ruled out of Spain’s upcoming World Cup qualifiers after aggravating a groin injury, deepening a growing club-versus-country row over the teenager’s workload.
The 18-year-old winger, who has already established himself as one of Europe’s brightest prospects, will miss around two to three weeks of action, according to Barcelona. That timeframe excludes him from Spain’s matches against Georgia and Bulgaria next week and sidelines him from Barça’s La Liga clash with Sevilla this weekend.
Injury setback
Yamal initially suffered the groin problem while on international duty in September, missing four games for Barcelona as a result. He returned on Sunday to feature in a 2-1 victory over Real Sociedad, but his involvement against Paris Saint-Germain in Wednesday’s Champions League defeat triggered a recurrence.
“Following the game against PSG, the groin problem for Lamine Yamal has returned,” Barcelona confirmed in a statement. “The player will miss [Sunday’s] game against Sevilla and his recovery time is estimated at two to three weeks.”
The news represents a significant blow for both club and country. Yamal has enjoyed a sparkling start to the season, with two goals and four assists in just five appearances for Barcelona, and has quickly become a key creative outlet despite his tender age.
Club vs country tension
Beyond the immediate disappointment of losing their rising star, Barcelona’s frustration with Spain’s handling of Yamal has once again resurfaced. The Catalan club believes the winger’s involvement in September’s internationals contributed to his initial injury, and head coach Hansi Flick has openly questioned the national team’s management of his player.
“Spain have the best team in the world, the best players in the world,” Flick said when Yamal was first ruled out last month. “So maybe they will also want to take care of our young players. But it’s like they are doing this [to them].”
His comments highlighted Barcelona’s belief that Yamal, despite his immense talent, requires careful management to avoid overexertion so early in his career.
Spain push back
Spanish national team boss Luis de la Fuente, however, has denied there is any dispute between the federation and Barcelona over Yamal’s fitness.
“There is no conflict,” De la Fuente said on Friday. “But I was surprised by the German manager’s comments, given that Flick is someone who has also coached a national team. I thought he would have had more empathy.”
De la Fuente’s remarks underline the delicate balance international coaches face when managing young players. Spain, who have enjoyed a resurgence under his leadership, view Yamal as central to their long-term ambitions, particularly as they prepare for the 2026 World Cup.
Managing expectations
For Barcelona, Yamal’s injury is both a medical setback and a test of trust with Spain. The teenager has carried huge expectations since breaking through last season, becoming the youngest player to appear in a Champions League knockout tie and one of the youngest to score in La Liga history.
The challenge now lies in ensuring his physical development keeps pace with his rapid rise on the pitch. The recurrence of his groin injury has reignited calls for a more cautious approach, with critics suggesting the demands placed on him so early could risk long-term damage.
Looking ahead
Yamal’s absence is keenly felt by both camps. For Barcelona, his creativity and pace are vital as they seek to bounce back from a tough Champions League loss and maintain their strong domestic start. For Spain, the teenager’s absence deprives them of a game-changer in crucial qualifiers.
While neither side has an interest in rushing his recovery, the underlying tension between club and country remains unresolved. Flick’s remarks reflect a club wary of its prize asset being overused, while De la Fuente’s response signals a refusal to accept criticism of Spain’s management.
For now, the focus is on Yamal’s rehabilitation. But with major fixtures looming for both Barcelona and Spain, the teenager’s workload will continue to be a contentious issue.
At just 18, Yamal is already central to the fortunes of both his club and his country. The latest injury is a reminder that managing prodigious talent requires as much restraint as ambition.
