MADRID – Spain abandoned Lamina Yamal on Tuesday to two World Cup qualifiers after the star striker underwent further treatment for a nagging groin injury.
The Spanish Football Federation said it had received notification from Barcelona that Yamal had undergone “invasive radiofrequency treatment for pubic discomfort.”
The federation said the treatment would sideline 18-year-old Yamal for seven to 10 days, ruling him out of Spain's game in Georgia on Saturday and a home game against Turkey three days later.
However, the federation added that it was “surprised and upset” to learn of Yamal's condition on Monday, the same day he and his Spain team-mates were due to gather at the training base in Madrid.
Yamal injured his groin while playing for Spain in September. Since then, his case of pubalgia, or chronic groin injury, has become a point of contention between his club and the national team.
In September, Barcelona coach Hansi Flick criticized Spain for what he said was playing Yamal extra minutes in two easy wins in World Cup qualifying while Flick said his player was in discomfort.
In response to Flick, the federation stated that they had never received any notification from Barcelona that Yamal was injured, and the national team's medical staff often communicates with the clubs.
A groin problem sidelined Yamal for five matches against Barcelona and a further two World Cup qualifiers for Spain. He has since returned to the pitch and made six appearances for Barcelona before this international break.
