Spain’s national team announced on Sunday that forward Lamine Yamal will miss Tuesday’s Nations League Group A4 match against Serbia due to a muscle strain. The decision to withdraw the 17-year-old Barcelona player comes as a precautionary measure to avoid any risk of further injury.
Yamal was substituted in the 93rd minute during Spain’s 1-0 victory over Denmark on Saturday. He was seen limping after the match, having endured several tackles from Danish defenders. An MRI scan in Madrid on Sunday revealed no structural damage, but confirmed a muscle strain.
“Prioritising the player’s health and to avoid any risk of injury ahead of the upcoming match against Serbia, it has been decided to withdraw him from the squad,” the Spanish national team stated.
Spain coach Luis De la Fuente addressed the physical challenges Yamal faced during the Denmark match, saying, “The referee has to protect these talented players, but Lamine has to get used to it.” De la Fuente praised Yamal’s exceptional attitude and contribution to the team.
Yamal, a key player in Spain’s recent European Championship victory, has been in impressive form for Barcelona this season, scoring five goals and providing five assists in 11 appearances across all competitions.
Atletico Madrid’s Rodrigo Riquelme has been called up to replace Yamal for the Serbia match in Cordoba. Spain currently leads Group A4 with seven points from three games, followed by Denmark with six and Serbia with four points.
