Spain Releases Yamal After Unnotified Groin Procedure

Barcelona's teenage sensation Lamine Yamal was released from Spain's national team squad on Tuesday after undergoing an invasive radiofrequency procedure for a persistent groin injury without prior notification to federation officials. The 18-year-old winger, who had been called up for World Cup qualifiers against Georgia on November 15 and Turkey on November 18, received the treatment on the morning of November 10, the first day of Spain's training camp.

The Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) expressed surprise and discomfort in an official statement, noting that its medical staff learned of the procedure only through a late report recommending seven to 10 days of rest for Yamal. "This procedure was carried out without prior communication to the medical staff of the national team," the statement read, emphasizing the priority of the player's health and safety. As a result, the federation decided to release Yamal from duty, confident in his full recovery, and called up Rayo Vallecano's Jorge de Frutos as a replacement.

Spain coach Luis de la Fuente voiced his astonishment in interviews following the announcement. "I've never experienced a situation like this before. I...