Barcelona announced on Friday that Lamine Yamal will miss Spain’s World Cup qualifiers against Georgia and Bulgaria due to a groin injury recurrence. The pain resurfaced after Wednesday’s 2-1 Champions League defeat to Paris Saint-Germain.
Barcelona confirmed, “The estimated recovery time is two-to-three weeks.”
Yamal had just returned to the starting lineup against PSG after missing four games with the same injury. His setback comes as Spain had already called him up for October World Cup qualifiers. Spain later confirmed his removal from the squad.
Barcelona coach Hansi Flick previously criticized the Spanish national team for overusing the teenager in September qualifiers.
Spain coach Luis de la Fuente responded Friday, downplaying tensions with Flick. “The risk in football and in sports always exists. If he is playing at his club, he is assuming those risks,” De la Fuente said.
He added, “There is no conflict with Flick. Everyone said what they said, and that’s it. We are playing for the World Cup, that is what really matters.”
Yamal’s latest injury also puts his participation in the October 26 El Clasico clash against Real Madrid in doubt. Spain will also be without Alvaro Morata, Nico Williams, and Dani Carvajal for the qualifiers.
Williams has been sidelined since suffering a groin injury during Athletic Bilbao’s 6-0 win over Turkey, with his club requesting reduced playing time. Spain currently leads Group E with six points after two games.
They face Georgia on October 11 in Elche and Bulgaria on October 14 in Valladolid.
