The Spanish Football Association (RFEF) has expressed “surprise and dismay” after Barcelona teenage sensation Lamine Yamal pulled out of Spain’s latest international camp following an unexpected medical procedure.
Yamal, who recently returned from injury, had been called up by coach Luis de la Fuente for Spain’s upcoming 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Georgia and Turkey. However, the 18-year-old underwent what the federation described as an “invasive radiofrequency procedure” to treat discomfort in his groin on the same day he was expected to join the national team.
In a statement on its official website, the RFEF revealed that it only learned about the procedure hours after it was completed.
“The Medical Services of the RFEF wish to express their surprise and discomfort after learning at 13:47 on Monday, November 10 — the day the national team camp began — that player Lamine Yamal had undergone an invasive radiofrequency procedure that same morning,” the statement read.
The federation added that details of the operation were only received later that night, alongside medical advice recommending 7–10 days of rest.
As a result, Spain’s coaching staff decided to release Yamal from the squad, saying his health and recovery were their top priorities.
“We are confident he will recover well and wish him a speedy and full recovery,” the RFEF concluded.
Yamal has been diagnosed with pubalgia, a chronic groin injury caused by tears in the soft tissue around the pelvis. It is a common but tricky condition for footballers, requiring careful management to avoid recurring pain.
Barcelona’s medical team reportedly decided that the player needed treatment rather than game time during the international break. The club recently tied Yamal to a long-term contract and is eager to protect his fitness.
This latest incident has reignited tensions between Barcelona and the RFEF over Yamal’s workload.
Earlier in the season, Barcelona coach Hansi Flick publicly criticized Spain’s handling of the teenager after he returned from international duty carrying an injury.
“He went with the national team in pain and didn’t train,” Flick said at the time. “They gave him painkillers to play. That’s not taking care of the player.”
The RFEF and coach De la Fuente defended their decisions, accusing Barcelona of poor communication. Despite the war of words, both sides have since tried to move past the dispute.
Before the latest setback, De la Fuente had insisted that Yamal was fully fit and ready to help Spain in their qualifying campaign.
“He’s getting back to being the player he always has been, and we celebrate that,” the coach said after naming him in the squad.
Yamal has been in fine form for Barcelona, playing full matches in three of their last four games and scoring in three consecutive appearances.
Although he will now miss Spain’s upcoming qualifiers, the 18-year-old remains one of the country’s brightest prospects and is expected to play a key role at the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico next summer provided he stays fit.
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