To face Denmark and Switzerland, La Roja must do without the FC Barcelona striker, injured in an ankle. A big loss.
A sizeable package. Hit in the ankle last week – he missed FC Barcelona's second defeat against Real Sociedad last Sunday (1-0) – Lamine Yamal is not yet fully recovered and is therefore not included in the list of twenty- six players called up by Luis de la Fuente for the last two matches of the group stage of the Nations League, against Denmark this Friday (8:45 p.m.) and against Switzerland next Monday (8:45 p.m.).
“We thought it was appropriate that he not travel.” »
Luis de la Fuente on Lamine Yamal
«Lamine Yamal is injured and FC Barcelona sent us the relevant reports, so we thought it was appropriate that he did not travel to undergo a procedure that was not necessary explained the Spanish coach at the microphone of Marca. I wish him a recovery as soon as possible. We are all ready to face the important matches that we have. I only hope that the injured recover quickly and that they can return to their club and national team as soon as possible.»
One of the key players of La Roja
This is the first time in a year – and the second since his big debut with the Spanish national team, in September 2023 – that Lamine Yamal misses a gathering of his selection. And his absence should certainly be felt. Indeed, despite his seventeen years, the FC Barcelona striker has established himself in recent months as one of the major players of La Roja, chaining percussions and beautiful inspirations, both to score – the Blues are remembered in the semi-finals of Euro 2024 (2-1) – only to score, on his right side. His statistics speak for him: he has three goals and nine assists in seventeen matches played with the Spain jersey. Impressive…even more so for his age.
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And that's not all. Since Euro 2024 – and the arrival of Hansi Flick on the Blaugrana bench? –, the one who finished eighth in the 2023-2024 Ballon d’Or rankings has taken on a new dimension. In a dominant and very offensive FC Barcelona, the young right winger is having fun and has become even more decisive, and in particular more killer in front of the opposing goal. He has six goals and eight assists in all competitions… which is (already) as many as last season. It is therefore without one of the best attackers on the planet (currently) that Spain must face Denmark and Switzerland.
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Spain is already qualified
But don't worry. La Roja has such a talent pool – and particularly in the offensive sector – that Luis de la Fuente has several quality solutions on hand to replace him. Just a month ago, when the Barcelona winger had to withdraw against Serbia (3-0) due to a sprain, it was Mikel Oyarzabal who started on the right side. Nico Williams, Álex Baena, Bryan Gil and Bryan Zaragoza – all rather used to playing on the left – are also good options…unless the Spanish coach favors a real specialist in the position with the young Yérémy Pino.
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Furthermore, Spain is not playing big during this gathering. First in its group with three points ahead of Denmark and six over Serbia, it is already assured of reaching the quarter-finals of the League of Nations. The only question (still) pending is whether she will finish first, or second. But given its dynamics and its squad, there is no doubt that it has what it takes to win – or at least not lose – against Denmark this Friday evening. Even without Lamine Yamal.
