Due to a muscle issue, Lamine Yamal will not play in Spain’s Nations League match against Serbia on Tuesday in order to avoid being hurt again.
In the injury time of Spain’s 1-0 victory over Denmark on Saturday, Yamal of Barcelona staggered out.
The 17-year-old withdrew from Spain’s camp on Sunday, had an MRI, and will now rejoin his club.
“The tests did not reveal any structural injury, and the medical staff of the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) confirmed it is a case of muscle strain,” said Spain in a statement on Sunday.
“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.”
Following the game, Spain coach Luis de la Fuente stated that Yamal cannot expect a “bed of roses” when competing at the top level because the adolescent was subjected to multiple hard tackles during the victory against Denmark.
“The referee has to protect these talented players, but Lamine has to get used to it,” said De la Fuente.
“Lamine displayed an exceptional attitude and generated a lot for us from the right flank. He has a special talent. I had a teammate who used to say: ‘What do you want, kisses [from the opponents]?’
“Teams will use the weapons they can within the rules.”
Yamal has been replaced in the squad by Atletico Madrid’s Rodrigo Riquelme.
