Barcelona forward Lamine Yamal has withdrawn from the Spain squad for this week’s Euro 2024 Qualifiers against Scotland and Norway.
The 16-year-old reported for duty with Spain on Monday despite reservations from Barcelona who had informed the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) he was carrying a hip injury.
However, Spain wanted to carry out their own tests to confirm the extent of the problem and his possible availability for their upcoming matches.
After tests by the national team doctors, the RFEF released a statement to confirm Yamal’s injury and exit from the squad.
“Yamal has left the Spanish national team camp after being evaluated by the RFEF’s medical services. It was determined that he will not be able to participate in the qualifying games for Euro 2024, against Scotland in Seville on Thursday and against Norway in Oslo on Sunday.” RFEF’s statement reads.
Yamal sustained the injury during Barcelona’s 2-2 draw against Granada, in a match in which he scored Barcelona’s first goal to become the youngest player to ever score in La Liga.
The good news is that the injury is not expected to sideline Yamal for too long as Barcelona face a potential injury crisis ahead of the El Classico against league leaders and rivals Real Madrid on October 28.
Yamal joins a growing list of injured Barcelona players that include Pedri, Frenkie de Jong, Raphinha, Robert Lewandowski, and Jules Kounde. Some are facing lengthy injuries, while others are racing against time to be back in action as soon as possible.
Spain had hoped the international break would serve to tie down Yamal’s international future, with the teenager still able to switch allegiances as he is eligible for Morocco and Equatorial Guinea through his parents.
Last month, he became the youngest player to ever play and score for Spain when he netted on his senior debut against Georgia at 16 years and 57 days old.
