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WHAT HAPPENED?
Yamal was unable to make it to the Spain camp this week after the 17-year-old suffered a ‘grade 1 syndesmosis injury’ to his right ankle which was confirmed by Barcelona hours before their La Liga clash against Real Sociedad on Sunday, which they lost 1-0 at Anoeta. La Roja boss De la Fuente has now opened up on Yamal’s injury and praised the youngster’s ability while reiterating that he has to be carefully treated.
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Getty ImagesWHAT DE LA FUENTE SAID
Speaking to the media, De la Fuente said: “Lamine has everything to be a football legend in the future. Now, he is 17 years old and we have to go very little by little with him. Be very careful. The first thing you need to know is that with the foundation of humility and professionalism, you will achieve a lot of things. This demand and responsibility is unavoidable.”
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GettyTHE BIGGER PICTURE
After the injury was announced by Barcelona, the critics were quick to point out that the 2024 Kopa Trophy winner’s injury was very close to the international break, suggesting that the issue could have been manipulated by the Catalan side to help Yamal avoid playing for Spain and getting some much-needed rest. However, De La Fuente put those questions to rest as well as he said: “Barcelona, as all clubs do, sent us the report with the relevant tests, and we thought it was unnecessary for him to travel again to go through that process, which was no longer needed. I wish him a speedy recovery.”
WHAT NEXT FOR YAMAL?
Spain have now replaced Yamal with Girona’s Bryan Gil as they prepare for their Nations League clashes against Denmark and Switzerland on Friday, November 15 and Monday, November 18, respectively. Meanwhile, Yamal will continue his recovery with Barcelona as he is said to be able to return within two to three weeks.
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