Spain's Firestorm: De La Fuente blasts Barcelona for Yamal medical handling, sparks federation clash

Outrage Over Treatment of Young Star Sparks Federation-Club Rift

Luis de la Fuente, Spain's national team coach, voiced anger and disappointment at how Barcelona handled the injury of their young star Lamine Yamal, saying he had never faced such a situation in his coaching career after being surprised by Barcelona's decision to subject the player to an invasive radiofrequency treatment to ease his groin pain without notifying the national team's medical staff.

According to the Spanish newspaper AS, the Spanish Football Federation announced this morning that Yamal was left out of the Georgia and Turkey fixtures, underscoring the lack of medical coordination between the two entities and the surprise within the national team camp.

In a federation statement, the medical services expressed astonishment and concern after learning at 13 47 on Monday 10 November that Yamal had undergone a radiofrequency treatment for groin pain without prior contact with the national team medical staff. The report arrived at 22 40 that night advising seven to ten days of rest.

De La Fuente spoke to RNE hours after the official statement, expressing astonishment at Barcelona's actions.

There are procedures outside the federation's control, he said. I have never lived through such a situation. We were all surprised; when you receive no information about a health matter of this magnitude, it is natural to be astonished.

The episode heightens tensions between Barcelona and the Spanish federation amid prior disputes about injuries to national team players, especially with a congested schedule and repeated recalls of Barca stars to La Roja camps.

Barca breathed a sigh of relief after receiving a positive medical report from a Belgian specialist in adductor injuries for Yamal, one of the club's most valuable talents.

The club sought a trusted second opinion and coordinated with Dr Bruna, who oversaw the assessment and monitored progress to ensure the rehabilitation plan was on track.

The Belgian expert reportedly welcomed the program, noting early detection and intensive early treatment as key factors in a favorable outlook for Yamal's recovery.

However the doctor stressed the need for full adherence to medical and coaching instructions to prevent future setbacks.

Back at Barca, there is no current concern about Yamal's condition, especially given his recent high level performances, including a standout display since the earlier disappointing showing at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Barca also sought a global expert opinion to bolster confidence in the current treatment plan and ensure optimal monitoring of the youngster's readiness.

Hans Flick, Barca's coach, commented in a press conference before facing Celta Vigo on Yamal's mental approach and discipline, praising the youngster's improvement and urging continued adherence to the new routine.

With the Belgian expert's positive assessment, Barca remains confident in Yamal's condition and his continued contributions to the squad.

Another reiteration by the Belgian doctor: early detection and aggressive early rehab are key for adductor issues, which bodes well for Yamal's case.

But the doctor again emphasized full compliance with medical instructions to avoid future downturns.

In Barcelona, there is no anxiety about Yamal's fitness, given his recent form and the club's emphasis on cautious progression to preserve his long term potential.

Barca's plan is to keep close monitoring and ensure the player remains available for the campaigns critical fixtures while continuing to develop one of footballs brightest prospects.

Punchline 1: If medical drama counted as a goal, Barca would be top of the league with all the extra time they have earned.

Punchline 2: They say football is a contact sport, apparently so is club medical politics — just with more paperwork and fewer goals.