Barcelona have reportedly requested for Spain to release Lamine Yamal from international duty after the attacker was on the end of a number of heavy challenges during his side's UEFA Nations League clash with Denmark.
Yamal was substituted in the latter stages of Spain's 1-0 win over Denmark on Saturday, and the 17-year-old was seen limping after the match, fuelling suggestions that he had suffered an injury.
It is understood that the forward only suffered an impact injury against Denmark rather than a potentially long-term issue, but according to Sport, Barcelona have asked for the teenager to be released from international duty.
La Roja will continue their UEFA Nations League campaign against Serbia on Tuesday evening, and it is unlikely that Yamal will be involved, with a return to his club thought to be likely before the end of the weekend.
Spain head coach Luis de la Fuente said after the clash with Denmark that Yamal will 'have to get used to' being on the end of heavy challenges due to the nature of the sport.
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Barcelona 'request for Spain to release Yamal'
"You have to apply the toughness that the rules allow," De la Fuente told reporters when asked about the heavy Denmark challenges on Yamal.
"There is a referee there to mark the limit. Against young players with his talent, [opponents] try to intimidate and look for contact.
"The referee has to protect these talented players, but Lamine has to get used to it. I would love it to be a bed of roses, Flower Power, but this sport is like that.
"Lamine displayed an exceptional attitude and generated a lot for us from the right flank. He has a special talent. From there, I had a teammate who used to say: 'What do you want, kisses [from the opponents]?' Teams use the weapons they can within the rules."
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Will Yamal be fit for Barcelona's clash with Sevilla?
Barcelona will resume their 2024-25 La Liga campaign against Sevilla on October 20, while they will also take on Bayern Munich and Real Madrid before the end of the month.
Yamal has been in excellent form for Hansi Flick's side this season, scoring five goals and registering five assists in 11 appearances in all competitions, and it is widely expected that he will be available to take on Sevilla.
Matt Law
