The Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) has expressed its surprise and displeasure after learning that Lamine Yamal, the 18-year-old Barcelona winger, underwent a groin procedure without their prior knowledge. The procedure has led to Yamal's release from the Spain squad for the upcoming World Cup qualifying matches against Georgia and Türkiye.
According to the RFEF, Yamal had a radiofrequency operation on Monday to address a persistent groin issue. The federation stated that they were only informed of the procedure through a report received late Monday night, which also indicated a recommendation for 7-10 days of rest.
In a statement, the RFEF conveyed their surprise and discomfort, noting that the procedure occurred without prior notification to the national team's medical staff. "The Medical Services of the RFEF wish to express their surprise and displeasure upon learning… that player Lamine Yamal had undergone an invasive radiofrequency procedure to treat his pubic discomfort that same morning," the statement read.
Given the situation and prioritizing the player's health, safety, and well-being, the RFEF decided to release Yamal from the squad. Spain's manager, Luis de la Fuente, admitted his surprise at the situation, stating he had never experienced something like this before. "I don't think it's very normal," De la Fuente told Radio Nacional de Espana (RNE). "Of course (surprised), like everyone else, you don't know, you haven't heard anything, you don't know any details, and then they tell you, I insist, and on top of that, there's the health issue, so you're surprised".
Yamal has been dealing with discomfort in the groin area throughout the season and has missed five matches for Barcelona due to the issue. It has been reported that Yamal is suffering from pubalgia, a chronic groin injury that causes persistent pain in the pubic region. According to Spanish outlet Sport, pubalgia is a very complicated condition. A former club doctor explained that "the priority is rest and physiotherapy". Sports traumatologist Dr. Pedro Luis Ripoll said the injury is "frankly difficult to treat" and "characterised by pain that reduces the player's ability to move and shoot by almost 50%".
The decision to proceed with the radiofrequency treatment without informing the RFEF has reportedly caused tensions between Barcelona and the federation. Barcelona's medical staff apparently wanted to address the issue promptly to avoid long-term setbacks, preferring Yamal to rest instead of joining the national squad. Barcelona coach Hansi Flick had previously voiced frustration with Spain's use of Yamal during September's international window. “He went with the national team in pain and did not train," Flick said.
The RFEF's medical services learned about the procedure on November 10, the day the official training camp with the national team began. The federation received a report at 10:40 PM that indicated a medical recommendation of rest for 7-10 days.
Yamal's absence is a blow for Spain as they continue their campaign to qualify for the World Cup. He has 23 caps for Spain, netting six goals and contributing six assists in 11 matches this season for both Barcelona and Spain.
