Spain Manager Downplays Yamal’s Absence, Focuses on World Cup Goals

Spain’s national football manager, Luis de la Fuente, addressed the recent controversy surrounding the absence of Lamine Yamal from the squad ahead of their World Cup qualifier against Georgia on Saturday. The 18-year-old winger, who plays for Barcelona, was released from the squad due to a groin injury that has caused him to miss five matches this season. His removal from the team prompted criticism from the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF).

Yamal underwent a radiofrequency procedure on Monday, coinciding with the start of Spain’s training camp. While de la Fuente acknowledged the unusual circumstances surrounding Yamal’s situation, he emphasised the young player’s long-term potential for the national team. “The best news is that he has 15 years left with us,” de la Fuente stated during a press conference on Friday.

The manager stressed the importance of focusing on the immediate task at hand: securing a victory against Georgia in Tbilisi. Spain currently leads Group E with 12 points from four matches, having scored 15 goals and conceded none. They can qualify for next year’s World Cup finals if they defeat Georgia and second-placed Turkey either loses or draws against bottom side Bulgaria.

“Our aim is to qualify for the World Cup,” de la Fuente said. “Regardless of the results in this phase, we want to win to secure our place in the qualifiers. This means fighting, working hard, and doing things right to give ourselves the best chance of winning.”

The Spanish team enters the match with a remarkable 29-match unbeaten streak in competitive games, including a dominant 4-0 victory over Bulgaria last month. De la Fuente acknowledged the challenges ahead but remained optimistic. “It’s very difficult to win, and we want to continue on our path,” he remarked. “But we take it one game at a time, keeping our feet on the ground. What this team is doing is very difficult, but we want to keep improving.”

With the weight of expectations on their shoulders, Spain’s players will look to carry their momentum into the match against Georgia, aiming to secure their place in the World Cup and continue their impressive form on the international stage.