Does Yamal get special treatment? De la Fuente breaks silence on privileges in Spain's dressing room
Luis de la Fuente has firmly defended Lamine Yamal amid accusations that the Barcelona wonderkid receives preferential treatment in the Spanish national team.
Details: Speaking at a press conference ahead of Spain's Nations League clash with Czechia, the head coach addressed growing questions surrounding Yamal's absence from the squad in Prague. The 19-year-old winger has been allowed to remain in Barcelona due to discomfort in his right knee, prompting speculation about whether he enjoys privileges unavailable to other players.
De la Fuente categorically rejected these suggestions, insisting that the coaching staff applies exactly the same standards to every member of the national team.
“Lamine Yamal does not receive any special privileges. We would have made exactly the same decision for any other player. Nobody in the dressing room has a problem with it. We treat everyone equally,” the Spanish coach stated.
The manager explained that medical examinations revealed inflammation and fluid in Yamal's knee. Rather than force the youngster to travel to Prague without knowing whether he could train, the coaching staff decided he should continue his recovery at Barcelona.
De la Fuente also dismissed suggestions of tension within the dressing room and expressed optimism about the winger's recovery. According to the coach, Yamal's condition is improving, and he could rejoin the national team on Friday.
It is worth noting that Spain will face Czechia on November 12 before hosting England on November 15 in their final Nations League group-stage match. Yamal is expected to miss the first encounter, while his participation against England will depend on his recovery.
Reminder: Alarm bells at Barcelona! Lamine Yamal suffers knee problems and will miss Spain's match
Steven Perez
Dailysports's expert
