Those tensions first surfaced back in September, when Barca manager Hansi Flick accused Spain of “not protecting” the 18-year-old forward, who played through two World Cup qualifiers that month despite discomfort from a groin problem, taking painkillers to do so.

Barcelona has revealed that Yamal is injured, which is why he was withdrawn from the Spanish team for the November international break. Yamal is dealing with pubalgia, which is considered similar to a sports hernia. This injury has also been dealt with by Chelsea 's Cole Palmer and Athletic Club's Nico Williams.

When de la Fuente called him again for the upcoming matches against Georgia and Turkiye, he said the "risk was zero," but then Yamal provided the Spanish FA a medical report saying he has to rest 7-10 days during the International break. The Spanish FA issued the following statement.

The RFEF claimed Spain's medical team had not been given prior notice that the Barcelona forward would be undergoing the procedure.

Despite remaining as unbeaten in the UEFA 2026 World Cup qualifiers, Spain have yet to secure their spot in the anticipated tournament. Nonetheless, they face Türkiye with the urge to get a victory to avoid the playoffs.

Former Netherlands and Real Madrid star Wesley Sneijder has claimed it's "possible" that Lamine Yamal will surpass Lionel Messi, while predicting that the Barcelona wonderkid will stay at the club until at least 2035.

Tensions between Barcelona and the RFEF have been high ever since Yamal was diagnosed with a groin injury, later clarified to be pubalgia, following the September international window. Barça manager Hansi Flick engaged in a war of words with Spain counterpart Luis de la Fuente over a perceived lack of protection for the young winger.

Ahead of the next La Liga game against Athletic Bilbao, Lamine Yamal will reportedly be receiving a major squad boost as a FC Barcelona star will be returning from injury. Lamine Yamal has been one of Barcelona’s brightest young stars during the 2025-26 season,