Spain boss denies Lamine Yamal gets 'special privileges'

What the report says

Spain head coach Luis de la Fuente has rejected suggestions that Lamine Yamal was given special treatment after the Barcelona winger was allowed to arrive later than the rest of the national team squad. According to BBC Sport Football, Yamal stayed in Barcelona after discomfort and inflammation in his right knee following Barcelona’s league win over Atletico Madrid, and worked with club medical staff instead of travelling for Spain’s Nations League trip to the Czech Republic.

De la Fuente said the decision was made to avoid unnecessary travel and to help the player continue treatment. He insisted the arrangement would have applied to any player in similar circumstances, and criticised reports that framed the delay as preferential treatment. BBC Sport reported that Spanish media had suggested Yamal received special privileges because he did not report immediately to camp.

The 19-year-old has become an important figure for both Barcelona and Spain despite his age, and his workload has drawn ongoing attention. The BBC article noted that he has played frequently for club and country this season, and that Spain also expect Real Sociedad captain Mikel Oyarzabal to join the squad later while recovering from flu and after the birth of his second child. De la Fuente said he expects Yamal to be back with the squad before Spain’s next match against England.