Lamine Yamal will not play for Spain in Tuesday’s UEFA Nations League game against Serbia.
The 17-year-old Barcelona winger was recalled by his club on Sunday after tests showed that he was suffering from physical overload.
Yamal has been experiencing pain in his left hamstring and, although the tests showed no major damage, it was decided that he should be rested to reduce the risk of injury.
A statement released by the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) explained: ‘Lamine Yamal underwent an MRI this morning in Madrid to assess the discomfort reported after the match against Denmark.
‘The tests did not detect any structural injury and the RFEF medical services confirmed that it was an overload.
Lamine Yamal pictured in action for Spain during Saturday’s 1-0 victory over Serbia in Murcia
Seventeen-year-old winger Yamal was recalled by Barcelona after medical tests on Sunday
‘Prioritising the player’s health and to avoid any risk of injury, given the imminent match against Serbia, it has been decided to withdraw him from the squad.’
Yamal made the 17th appearance of his senior international career on Saturday night in Spain’s 1-0 win over Denmark in Murcia.
The teenager was substituted off in the 93rd minute and was later seen limping as he boarded the team bus.
Yamal was on the receiving end of three fouls on Saturday and Spain coach Luis de la Fuente later warned him that he must get used to tough treatment from opponents.
Speaking in his post-match press conference, De la Fuente said: ‘You have to apply the toughness that the rules allow.
‘There is a referee there to mark the limit. Against young players with his talent, [opponents] try to intimidate and look for contact.
Yamal was the subject of some rough treatment during Saturday’s game in the Nations League
The Barcelona starlet was on the receiving end of three fouls before being subbed off late on
‘The referee has to protect these talented players, but Lamine has to get used to it. I would love it to be a bed of roses, flower power, but this sport is like that.
‘Lamine displayed an exceptional attitude and generated a lot for us from the right flank. He has a special talent. From there, I had a team-mate who used to say: “What do you want, kisses [from the opponents]?”
‘Teams use the weapons they can within the rules.’
Yamal played in 50 games for Barcelona last season, before featuring in all seven of Spain’s matches at Euro 2024.
He has made 10 appearances for Barca so far this term, scoring five goals.
