Overview
- The Spain coach said player health is the priority and noted Yamal was sent back to Barcelona whenever there was any doubt about his condition.
- The stance follows a public dispute with Barcelona boss Hansi Flick, who accused Spain of using painkillers and overplaying the 18-year-old during September qualifiers.
- Yamal was diagnosed with pubalgia after the first international break, missed games for club and country, and withdrew from a November call-up after undergoing treatment.
- De la Fuente stressed autonomy over call-ups and confirmed left-backs Alejandro Balde and Alvaro Carreras are on a pre-list as options continue to be evaluated.
- Spain qualified unbeaten for the 2026 World Cup, and the March window, including La Finalissima, is set to serve as a key period for squad assessment.