Spain Under-17 coach Luis de la Fuente has addressed the recent controversy surrounding Lamine Yamal, amid tensions between Barcelona and the Spanish Football Federation.
Yamal, one of Barcelona’s brightest young prospects, has been at the center of a dispute involving his availability for national team duty. Barcelona expressed concerns over the player’s fitness, citing a pubalgia injury, while Spain’s coaching staff maintained confidence in his condition.
De la Fuente was clear on the situation, emphasizing that Yamal is fully fit and ready to contribute to the national team. “Lamine has trained with us without any issues,” he said. “There is no doubt about his ability or physical state.”
The 15-year-old midfielder has impressed with both his club and country, drawing attention for his technical skill and footballing intelligence. Despite the conflicting reports, the Spain boss confirmed that Yamal’s involvement is not compromised, aiming to focus on his development and performance.
Barcelona’s worries stemmed from concerns over player welfare, wanting to avoid aggravating any injuries. However, the federation and de la Fuente have reassured all parties that proper medical assessments have cleared Yamal for activity.
This episode highlights the often delicate balance between club and country when managing young talents. Both sides are keen to protect the player’s health while fostering his growth, but open communication remains vital to prevent misunderstandings.
As Spain’s U17 squad continue preparations for upcoming competitions, de la Fuente insists that Yamal’s case will be handled with care. “Our priority is his progress and wellbeing,” he added.
For now, the midfielder is back in training with Spain, aiming to build on his promising start and contribute to the team’s success on the international stage.
