Sports

Yamal back for Spain after club vs. country row

Published

3 hours ago

October 3, 2025

cineplex360

Sam Marsden
Moises Llorens

Oct 3, 2025, 05:57 AM ET

Barcelona forward Lamine Yamal has been called up to the Spain squad after recovering from injury following last month’s club versus country row.

Yamal, 18, aggravated a groin problem while on international duty in September, angering Barça coach Hansi Flick, and only returned to action last weekend.

The teenage forward made his first appearance as a substitute in the win against Real Sociedad, before playing 90 minutes in the midweek loss to Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League.

Spain coach Luis de la Fuente has subsequently named him in his squad for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers at home to Georgia on Oct. 11 and Bulgaria on Oct. 14.

Prior to joining up with the national team, Yamal has one more match with his club, away at Sevilla in LaLiga on Sunday.

Barça will be paying close attention to Yamal’s minutes with Spain after Flick accused La Roja of “failing to take care” of their young players last month.

The German coach said Yamal had been unable to train due to a slight niggle, yet Spain had administered pain killers, allowing him to start games against Bulgaria and Turkey.

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De la Fuente replied that he had “no interest” in Flick’s complaints.

Due to the injury, Yamal missed four matches in total, wins against Valencia, Newcastle United, Getafe and Real Oviedo.

Barça sporting director Deco has since said he has spoken with his counterpart at the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF), Aitor Karanka, to ensure better communication between club and country moving forward.