Yamal to miss Czechia match as Spain monitor knee injury

Spain winger Lamine Yamal will miss Thursday’s Nations League match against Czechia because of a knee problem, with coach Luis de la Fuente saying he hopes the 19-year-old can return in time to face England on Sunday.

De la Fuente said a scan after Yamal felt discomfort showed inflammation and fluid in his knee, and that rest was advised. Spain and Barcelona’s medical staff agreed he should not travel to Prague, where Spain play Czechia, and should continue recovery work with his club.

The coach said he expected Yamal to rejoin Spain on Friday and was optimistic about his recovery. That expectation is not confirmation that the winger will be fit or selected against England, who visit Madrid on Sunday.

De la Fuente also rejected suggestions that Yamal had received preferential treatment by missing the Czechia match. He said Spain would have made the same decision for any player with a similar injury, and that the decision was made in coordination with the club’s medical staff. Some commentators had questioned whether Yamal had opted out of the trip; De la Fuente said the absence followed the injury and medical assessment.

Yamal played for Barcelona in a 2-1 La Liga win over...