De la Fuente hits back hard at Yamal claims: "He has been granted no privileges"

Spain head coach Luis de la Fuente has reacted very strongly to claims that Lamine Yamal has been given special privileges in the national team camp, saying the "lies" being spread have hurt him.

Yamal, who picked up a minor knee injury in Barcelona's 2-1 win over Atlético Madrid last weekend, will not be able to feature in Spain's away match against Czechia.

Although De la Fuente confirmed that the young star is expected to return to training on Friday so that he can be available for Sunday's match against England, some commentators in Spain have opened a debate over whether the player is receiving preferential treatment from the coaching staff. Some claims have even suggested that Yamal himself did not want to play in the Czechia match. De la Fuente, however, categorically denied these claims.

Clarifying the matter at a press conference, the experienced head coach said:

"Lamine picked up an injury and felt discomfort in his knee. He underwent routine checks, and fluid build-up and oedema were found in the knee. That required rest. In coordination between our medical staff, the club's medical team and myself, we decided that the right decision was for him to stay at home and work at his club, and to join us on Friday. Is the situation clear now? I am here to shed light on the matter. He has been granted no privileges.

"If we had another player in the same situation, we would do exactly the same. It does not bother me that we have players missing, we miss all the players who cannot be with us. Football is that kind of game and injuries are part of its nature. What really affects and saddens me is that lies are being told, that people are straying from truthfulness and reliability. These things are completely made up. Faced with that, I try to bring the truth to light. That is also why I sometimes say more than I should. Showing the facts with data is my way of doing things. I can never tolerate people who try to deceive others and tell lies."

Yamal, who has shone with 4 goals and 1 assist in his 4 UEFA Nations League matches, remains one of his side's most important attacking weapons. Spain, who have collected 12 points from 4 matches in the group, have already secured their place in the quarter-finals, but are aiming to avoid any slip-up against England in order to finish top of Group A3.