Overview
- Lamine Yamal was withdrawn from Spain’s squad before the final two World Cup qualifiers after initially being called up.
- The RFEF’s decision followed Barcelona’s unilateral treatment of a pubic bone issue without coordinating with the national team’s medical staff.
- Chelsea defender Marc Cucurella said Yamal had wanted to be with the squad, called the situation “complicated,” and stressed his recovery as the priority.
- The episode has heightened tension between Barcelona and the federation over medical protocols and player control.
- The stakes are elevated given Yamal’s rapid rise for club and country and his long-term Barcelona deal reportedly running through 2031.