Spain’s rising football star, Lamine Yamal, will miss the upcoming UEFA Nations League Group A4 match against Serbia on Tuesday. The 17-year-old forward has been sidelined to avoid any further risk after sustaining a muscle strain during Spain’s recent 1-0 victory over Denmark.
Yamal was substituted in the final moments of Saturday’s match, leaving the field in the 93rd minute after enduring several tough tackles from the Danish players. Observers later saw him limping as he left the stadium. Following the game, Yamal underwent an MRI scan in Madrid, which confirmed the strain but ruled out any severe structural injury.
In a statement on Sunday, the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) shared details of Yamal’s condition. “The tests did not reveal any structural injury, and the medical staff confirmed it is a case of muscle strain,” the federation stated.
“Prioritising the player’s health and to avoid any risk of injury ahead of the upcoming match against Serbia, it has been decided to withdraw him from the squad.”
As a result, the young Barcelona forward has returned to his club to recover. Yamal has been instrumental for both his national team and Barcelona this season, having scored five goals and assisted another five in just 11 appearances across all competitions.
Spain’s coach, Luis De la Fuente, expressed his thoughts on Yamal’s treatment during the Denmark game. “The referee has to protect these talented players, but Lamine has to get used to it,” De la Fuente remarked during the post-match news conference. “I would love it to be a bed of roses, Flower Power, but this sport is like that.”
Despite the injury, De la Fuente lauded Yamal’s performance, praising the youngster’s attitude and contribution from the right flank. “Lamine displayed an exceptional attitude and generated a lot for us… He has a special talent.”
Atletico Madrid winger Rodrigo Riquelme has been called up to replace Yamal for the match against Serbia, which will take place in Cordoba. Spain currently tops their group with seven points, followed closely by Denmark with six, Serbia with four, and Switzerland with no points.
Spain will be aiming to secure a stronger lead in Group A4 as they head into the final rounds of the Nations League, with hopes of advancing to the finals.
