Spain Confirm Lamine Yamal’s Withdrawal From November Squad Amid Barcelona Tensions

The Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) has announced that Barcelona winger Lamine Yamal will not be part of Spain’s squad for the upcoming November internationals, issuing a strong statement that appeared to criticize the Catalan club.

Relations between Barcelona and the RFEF have been strained since Yamal was diagnosed with a groin issue, later clarified as pubalgia, following the September international window. The disagreement intensified after Barcelona coach Hansi Flick clashed publicly with Spain manager Luis de la Fuente over what he described as insufficient protection for the 16 year old talent.

Yamal had missed the October internationals due to the injury, but he was expected to rejoin the national team in November. De la Fuente had previously indicated that there were no new concerns regarding the youngster’s fitness.

However, the RFEF confirmed on Monday that Yamal would be withdrawn from the squad after Barcelona sought a separate medical evaluation without notifying Spain’s medical team.

In a statement, the RFEF said:

“The Medical Services of the RFEF wish to express their surprise and displeasure after learning at 13:47 on Monday, November 10, the first day of the national team’s official training camp, that Lamine Yamal had undergone an invasive radiofrequency procedure for his pubic discomfort earlier that day. This procedure was carried out without prior communication to the national team medical staff, and we only received details at 22:40, including the recommendation for 7–10 days of rest.”

“With the player’s health and safety as our priority, the RFEF has decided to release him from this call-up. We hope for a full and speedy recovery.”

The withdrawal comes after reports from SPORT and Mundo Deportivo revealed that Barcelona had consulted Belgian surgeon Ernest Schilders, an expert in pubic and adductor injuries. Schilders reportedly met with Barcelona’s doctor Ricard Pruna to evaluate Yamal’s condition and approved the club’s treatment plan, praising the medical staff for early intervention that reduces the risk of long-term damage.

Yamal is expected to return to action after the international break. Barcelona are scheduled to host Athletic Club, potentially at Camp Nou, on November 22, before traveling to face Chelsea in the Champions League three days later.