Barcelona have confirmed that Lamine Yamal will miss Spain’s upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Georgia and Bulgaria after suffering a recurrence of his groin injury.
The 18-year-old winger, who only returned to the starting lineup in Wednesday’s 2-1 Champions League defeat to Paris Saint-Germain, is expected to be sidelined for up to three weeks. His latest setback has also put his availability for the Clasico against Real Madrid on October 26 in doubt.
Yamal had previously missed four games due to the same injury, which Barcelona coach Hansi Flick blamed on Spain’s decision to play him in September’s World Cup qualifiers. Spain coach Luis de la Fuente dismissed suggestions of a conflict, insisting there was no issue with Flick despite his criticism.
“There is no conflict with Flick. We are playing for the World Cup, that is what really matters. The rest is not important,” De la Fuente said after announcing his squad. He explained that Yamal experienced discomfort after the PSG match but insisted it was nothing unusual for players.
Spain will also be without Nico Williams, who is still recovering from a groin problem, and Dani Carvajal. Alvaro Morata has been left out of the squad after a slow start to the season with Como.
Spain currently sit top of Group E with six points from two matches. They host Georgia in Elche on October 11 before facing Bulgaria in Valladolid on October 14.
