Spain manager Luis de la Fuente has sought to ease concerns over Lamine Yamal’s absence, highlighting the teenage winger’s long-term importance to the national team ahead of Saturday’s World Cup qualifier against Georgia.

The 18-year-old Barcelona prodigy was withdrawn from Spain’s squad on Tuesday after undergoing treatment for a groin injury, sparking criticism from the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF). Yamal had missed five matches for Barca this season due to the problem and underwent an invasive radiofrequency procedure on Monday, the same day Spain’s training camp began, according to the RFEF.

De la Fuente acknowledged the situation as unusual but reassured fans about Spain’s immediate plans.

“The best news is that he has 15 years left with us,” De la Fuente told reporters on Friday.
“We have to think about the present and the future. The present means relying on the players we have, winning, and almost securing qualification—that is our concern. Everything can be improved, and we will try to improve in all areas, but what we have to improve is tomorrow’s performance. We are doing well and need to keep improving.”

Yamal has already made 11 appearances for Barcelona this season, scoring six goals and providing six assists, and has been capped 23 times for Spain.

Keeping Feet on the Ground

Spain top Group E with 12 points from four matches, having scored 15 goals and conceded none. A win against Georgia could secure qualification for the 2026 World Cup, depending on Turkey’s results against Bulgaria.

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

Spain enter the match on a 29-game unbeaten streak in competitive fixtures, following last month’s 4-0 victory over Bulgaria.

“It’s very difficult to win, and we want to continue on our path—but one game at a time, one day at a time,” De la Fuente added.
“Every now and then, it’s good to keep our feet on the ground. What this team is doing is very difficult, but we want to keep improving.”