Spain’s national football team has welcomed the return of young star Lamine Yamal to its squad for upcoming matches against Georgia and Turkey. After missing the previous qualifiers due to injury, Yamal’s performance for Barcelona has convinced manager Luis De la Fuente to include him, describing the decision as an “obvious choice.”
Yamal, who is just 18 years old, showcased his talent in a recent match where he scored one goal and assisted another in a thrilling 3-3 draw against Inter Milan in the UEFA Champions League. His impressive display comes after overcoming a bout of pubalgia, a condition that had sidelined him during the previous international fixtures. Despite concerns regarding his fitness, De la Fuente noted that Yamal is now “in perfect shape,” citing the endorsement from Barcelona’s coach, Hansi Flick.
In a press conference, De la Fuente emphasized the importance of having top players available for the national team as they prepare for critical matches on November 15 and November 18. “We have two very important games coming up, and we need to have the best players with us,” he stated.
The coach acknowledged the ongoing development of young athletes, particularly Yamal, whose body is still maturing. “It’s a natural process. He’s 18,” De la Fuente explained, highlighting the collaborative effort between the national team and Barcelona to support Yamal’s growth. “At the club, they’ll advise him and direct him, and the same at the federation.”
De la Fuente also addressed previous tensions with Flick regarding player management, noting that he has yet to have further discussions with the Barcelona manager since their last conversation. He remains hopeful that they will connect again to ensure a mutual understanding.
Spain currently leads Group E with 12 points from four matches, three points ahead of Turkey. The upcoming games are crucial for maintaining their position in the qualifiers. The squad announcement also included several other notable players, with five Barcelona representatives in total, while some key players did not make the cut.
As Spain prepares for these significant fixtures, the inclusion of Yamal not only reflects his talent but also the national team’s commitment to nurturing its young prospects. With the anticipation building, fans will be eager to see how this emerging star performs on the international stage.
