Spain will be missing superstar attacker Lamine Yamal when it faces Czechia in the UEFA Nations League on Thursday, Nov. 12.
The Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) said Yamal experienced discomfort in his right knee following Barcelona’s win over Atletico Madrid on Sunday, Nov. 8.
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“It has been decided that [Yamal] remain in Barcelona to continue his recovery process,” the RFEF said, adding that it expected the 19-year-old to join his teammates in “the coming days to be available to face England at the Metropolitano Stadium.”
Following Spain’s match in Prague on Thursday, it will return to Madrid to take on England in a Nations League match on Sunday, Nov. 15.
“Our medical staff assessed him, and I decided that, to avoid the trip, it would be better for him to stay home for treatment with his club,” Spain coach Luis la Fuente said at his press conference on Wednesday, Nov. 11.
Yamal played the full match against Atletico at the Metropolitano Stadium in Madrid, delivering an assist as Barcelona won 2-1 thanks to two goals from Fermín López.
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The RFEF added that striker Mikel Oyarzabal will also miss the match in Czechia due to the flu. Like Yamal, the federation said it was hopeful Oyarzabal would be ready to face England.
Yamal has once again been outstanding for Barcelona this season, scoring 13 goals and 12 assists in just 16 total games.
The 19-year-old has earned 37 caps for Spain and has already helped his country win Euro 2024 and the 2026 World Cup.
Spain has won all four of its matches in Group A3 of the Nations League, and can wrap up first place with a win against Czechia and a draw with England.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Why is Lamine Yamal not playing for Spain vs. Czechia today?
