Barcelona announced on October 3, 2025, that 18-year-old winger Lamine Yamal will miss Spain’s World Cup qualifiers against Georgia and Bulgaria due to a recurring groin injury. He faces up to three weeks out.
Recent Match Impact
The injury flared up after Yamal’s first start since August in Barcelona’s 2-1 Champions League loss to Paris Saint-Germain on October 1. He had previously missed four games due to the same issue.
Club vs. Country Tension
Barcelona coach Hansi Flick criticized Spain’s handling of Yamal during September qualifiers, believing it worsened his condition.
Spain coach Luis de la Fuente responded, “There’s no conflict. I was surprised by Flick’s comments, but our focus is the World Cup.”
De la Fuente’s Defense
On October 3, De la Fuente clarified that Yamal felt discomfort post-match but deemed it normal. “Our medical team assessed him. Risk is part of football,” he said, dismissing further debate.
Other Absences
Spain will also miss Nico Williams, sidelined by a groin injury, and Dani Carvajal. Alvaro Morata was excluded due to a sluggish season start at Como.
Squad Context
Spain leads Group E with six points. They face Georgia in Elche on October 11 and Bulgaria in Valladolid on October 14, crucial for World Cup qualification.
Clasico Concerns
Yamal’s injury may jeopardize his participation in Barcelona’s match against Real Madrid on October 26, a key fixture in the La Liga season.
Broader Implications
The dispute highlights challenges in balancing club and international duties, especially for young talents like Yamal, with both sides prioritizing player welfare differently.
Why It Matters
Yamal’s absence weakens Spain’s attack, while the club-country rift underscores ongoing issues in managing player fitness during tight schedules.
What’s Next
In October 2025, Spain aims to maintain their Group E lead without key players, while Barcelona monitors Yamal’s recovery for upcoming matches.
