Yamal ruled out of Serbia clash due to muscle injury

Lamine Yamal will miss Spain’s Nations League clash against Serbia after sustaining a muscle injury during their 1-0 win over Denmark on Saturday.

Yamal was replaced by Sergio Gomez in the 93rd minute of their encounter at the Estadio Nueva Condomina and was seen limping after the game.

He had endured multiple tackles during the contest, raising concerns over his fitness. Despite the precautionary exit, the Spanish medical team found no significant injury.

The 17-year-old has since been replaced in Luis de la Fuente’s squad by Atletico Madrid’s Rodrigo Riquelme for the match against Serbia in Cordoba.

“The tests did not reveal any structural injury, and the medical staff of the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) confirmed it is a case of muscle strain,” the Spain national team said in a statement on Sunday.

“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.”

Yamal has continued his impressive form from Euro 2024 into the current LaLiga season for Barcelona, scoring five goals in 11 appearances in all competitions.

Only Sevilla’s Chidera Ejuke (28) has completed more dribbles in the league than Yamal (27), with his 18 chances created for Hansi Flick’s side, a total only bettered by Raphinha (32) in Barcelona’s ranks.

Lamine Yamal causa baja para el partido ante Serbia.

Consulta aquí el parte médico: https://t.co/mTzUY5GCuB #VamosEspaña | #NationsLeague pic.twitter.com/6NPtxcVRN9

— Selección Española Masculina de Fútbol (@SEFutbol) October 13, 2024

Yamal announced himself on the international stage during Spain’s European Championship success earlier this year, notching four assists and one goal at the tournament.

While only in the infancy of his promising career, Spain head coach De la Fuente believes the treatment Yamal is currently experiencing is something he must get used to.

“The referee has to protect these talented players, but Lamine has to get used to it. I would love it to be a bed of roses, Flower Power, but this sport is like that,” De la Fuente said.

“Lamine displayed an exceptional attitude and generated a lot for us from the right flank. He has a special talent.

“I had a teammate who used to say: ‘What do you want, kisses (from the opponents)?’ Teams will use the weapons they can within the rules.”