Lamine Yamal absent against Czech Republic, Spain questions pick-and-choose selections

Lamine Yamal will not travel to Czech Republic on Thursday for the fifth matchday of the Nations League. Spanish manager Luis de la Fuente chose to rest his winger after he took a knock to the knee during FC Barcelona’s 2-1 victory at Atlético de Madrid on Sunday in La Liga. No serious injury has been diagnosed, but the decision is enough to ignite debate in Spain.

The controversy did not stem from the manager, but from the player himself — or rather from the image his absence projects. On the El Chiringuito show, journalist Edu Aguirre did not mince words: “If you’re not present for Thursday’s match, then you don’t come to play Sunday’s match. That’s it. You’re injured? You don’t come. I don’t like these pick-and-choose selections.” Before driving the point home: “It’s certainly nicer to play against England at the Metropolitano. A bit less travel to Czech Republic.”

Other observers share a different concern: beyond the Yamal case, the precedent set by this targeted rest would send a negative signal to other squad members, those who will make the trip despite fatigue.

Facing the controversy, Luis de la Fuente sought to reframe the debate. The manager reiterated that he was “the sole and only decision-maker” in this matter, and that Lamine Yamal “was ready to play” — implying it is a sporting management choice, not a capitulation to the club or player. Spain will face Czech Republic on Thursday at 20:45, before hosting England on Sunday, a match for which the Barcelona prospect should be available.