Barcelona star Lamine Yamal is the ‘main victim’ of club versus country row, admits Spain boss Luis de la Fuente

Luis de la Fuente says the relationship between Spain and Barcelona can be improved by “both parties” and insists Lamine Yamal is the “main victim” of the current disagreement.

Yamal was sent home from the national team camp yesterday after it was revealed a medical test carried out by Barca – without the knowledge of the Spain medical team – meant he required up to 10 days’ rest, ruling him out of the World Cup qualifiers against Georgia and Turkey.

It was the latest twist in a saga that has been running for several weeks and had previously included  Barca boss Hansi Flick accusing Spain of “not taking care of the player”.

Yamal flew back to Barcelona yesterday and De la Fuente said he was upset at how the situation had played out.

He told the El Larguero programme on Cadena Ser: “He is the first victim. He always wants to come. He has left sad and hurt. If anyone says otherwise, they are lying or have bad intentions.”

De la Fuente: Yamal was excited to play the games

Spain claimed they were aware Barca had carried out a medical procedure on Yamal’s troublesome groin early Monday afternoon but only when the full medical report came through that night did it become apparent the winger would have to leave the squad.

Asked how Yamal himself found out, De la Fuente said: “We went to his room and I talked to him. He was incredibly sad and very hurt. He was fine when he arrived.

“He is a player involved with the National Team and very much loved. He has left very sad, he was excited to play these games. He wants to do a great season with his club and also has the Finalissima and the World Cup to look forward to.”

Spain are highly likely to secure their place in the World Cup over the next week but the stand-off over Yamal threatens to overshadow the build up to the tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico next summer.

It has been left to the national team’s technical director Aitor Karanka to hold talks with Barca to ensure the relationship improves.

De la Fuente said: “I know that Karanka has been in contact with [sporting director] Deco and Barça. A lot. We’ll have to talk even more. 

“Not only is there Lamine, there are more Barça players and there is no problem. The relationship is not deteriorated, but everything can be improved by both parties.”

We don’t want controversy, insists Barcelona president Laporta

Speaking on Catalunya Radio this morning, Barca president Joan Laporta defended the club’s actions and insisted everything was done by the book.

He said: “We told them [the national team medics] when we had the answer from the doctor who examined him. Our doctors transferred it to those of the Federation. We don’t want controversy.

“On Monday the specialist came, made the diagnosis and did the treatment. Barça wants to have him in the best condition and we want to have him available. It happened like that and it has coincided with the match of the national team, but the national team already has things on track.”

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