Spain head coach Luis de la Fuente has denied claims Lamine Yamal received “special privileges” after being allowed to join the national team later than the rest of the squad.
The 19-year-old did not travel with Spain for Thursday’s Nations League match against the Czech Republic because of discomfort and inflammation in his right knee following Barcelona’s La Liga victory over Atletico Madrid, remaining in Barcelona to work with the club’s medical staff.
“I decided that, to avoid the trip, it would be better for him to stay at home and continue treatment with his club,” De la Fuente said on Wednesday.
“Lamine [Yamal] doesn’t have any special privileges. We would have done this for any other player.
“What hurts me most is the lying, the lack of rigour, the absence of truthfulness and the fabrication. I can’t stand people who try to deceive you and lie.”
Real Sociedad captain Mikel Oyarzabal is also expected to join up with the squad late while recovering from flu and having just welcome his second child.
Reports in Spanish media suggested Lamine Yamal had been given special treatment because he was not required to report to the national team immediately.
Leave a Reply