De la Fuente explains why Lamine Yamal will miss Spain’s match against Czech Republic
De la Fuente says the Barcelona forward has a minor right‑knee inflammation after the Champions League game and was left out as a precaution.
Spain coach Luis de la Fuente has confirmed that teenager Lamine Yamal will not feature in the Nations League match against the Czech Republic on 12 November 2026 because of discomfort in his right knee.
De la Fuente said the problem dates back to Barcelona’s 3-0 victory over Aston Villa in the fourth round of the Champions League and described the decision to leave Yamal out as precautionary.
Coach prioritises player welfare
“That’s the right decision. Of course, he wanted to play and if we had an urgent need, we could have brought him. But it wasn't worth the risk. Above all we think about his health and want him to be fully prepared. Yamal has a small inflammation that prevents him from feeling well. If everything goes well, he will be able to join the team without any problems. We treat all players equally when it comes to health,” de la Fuente told EFE.
Spain head into the fixture unbeaten in the group, having recorded four wins from four matches in League A so far. The coach underlined that the national team medical staff will continue to monitor Yamal and only call him up once he is fully fit.
The match in the Nations League is scheduled for 12 November 2026; de la Fuente made clear the federation prefers to avoid taking risks with emerging talents ahead of key fixtures.
Photo: press material from the event
