Barcelona teenager Lamine Yamal has been sent back home by Spain to prevent further strain on his muscles, according to an announcement from the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) on Sunday.
Yamal, who is 17, suffered a muscle issue during Spain’s 1-0 victory over Denmark in the Nations League on Saturday. The young star limped off the field in the final moments of the match and will now miss Spain’s upcoming game against Serbia on Tuesday.
“Lamine Yamal underwent an MRI scan in Madrid this morning to assess the discomfort he reported after the match against Denmark,” the RFEF explained in a statement.
“The tests did not reveal a structural injury, and the RFEF’s medical services have confirmed that it is a case of overwork,” the federation added.
Due to the quick turnaround before Spain’s next fixture, the decision was made to prioritize Yamal’s health. “To prioritise the player’s health and to avoid any risk of injury, given the short time until the match against Serbia, it has been decided not to call him up.”
Yamal is set to return to Barcelona, while Atletico Madrid midfielder Rodrigo Riquelme was called up to replace him in the squad.
