De la Fuente irritated by 'lies' surrounding Lamine Yamal

Yamal sidelined with knee inflammation; De la Fuente denies claims of preferential treatment, calling reports 'lies'.

Former Spain manager Luis de la Fuente has strongly rejected suggestions that Barcelona winger Lamine Yamal is receiving special treatment by the national team. Yamal will miss Thursday's Nations League match against Czech Republic due to knee inflammation with fluid buildup, which was assessed jointly by Spain's and Barcelona's medical staff.

De la Fuente emphasized that the decision to have Yamal train at home rather than with the squad is standard protocol and not a privilege. "It is sad and regrettable that people talk about things they know nothing about. They are lies," he said. "Lamine has inflammation in his knee. There is fluid in it. We would do the same with any other player."

Spain are also without midfielder Rodri, who suffered a significant injury, though De la Fuente praised his replacement Martín Zubimendi as the world's best player in that position after Rodri. Winger Ander Barrenetxea, making his first squad appearance after a strong season at Real Sociedad, suffered a serious hamstring injury against Rayo Vallecano on Sunday and requires surgery.