Spain’s forward Lamine Yamal, 17, will miss Tuesday’s Nations League Group A4 match against Serbia after suffering a muscle strain, the Spain national team announced on Sunday. Yamal was substituted in the 93rd minute of Spain’s 1-0 win over Denmark on Saturday, after enduring several tough tackles. He was seen limping after the match.
Following an MRI scan in Madrid, it was confirmed that Yamal had no structural injury but was experiencing muscle strain. To avoid risking further injury, the decision was made to withdraw him from the squad, and he will return to Barcelona.
Spain‘s head coach Luis de la Fuente commented on the rough treatment Yamal received, stating that while referees need to protect talented players, Yamal must adapt to the physical nature of the sport. De la Fuente praised Yamal’s performance on the right flank, calling him a special talent.
Yamal played a crucial role in Spain’s 2024 European Championship win and has been in excellent form for Barcelona, scoring five goals and providing five assists in 11 games this season.
Atletico Madrid’s Rodrigo Riquelme has been called up to replace Yamal for the match against Serbia in Cordoba. Spain currently leads the group with seven points, followed by Denmark with six, Serbia with four, and Switzerland with no points.
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