Spain’s teenage star Lamine Yamal will miss the upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Georgia and Turkey after undergoing a groin procedure, the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) confirmed.
The 18-year-old, who recently scored in Barcelona’s 4-2 win over Celta Vigo, will rest and recover from chronic pubalgia, a condition that has caused him discomfort throughout the season. “Given this situation, and prioritizing the player’s health, safety, and well-being at all times, the RFEF has made the decision to release the athlete from the current squad,” the federation said.
Yamal underwent an invasive radiofrequency procedure on the morning of November 10, coinciding with the start of Spain’s training camp. The national team’s medical staff only learned later that rest for 7–10 days had been recommended.
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Sports traumatologist Dr Pedro Luis Ripoll described the injury as “frankly difficult to treat” and said it “reduces the player’s ability to move and shoot by almost 50% and keeps him from his best level.” Barcelona coach Hansi Flick added that while Yamal feels occasional pain, he remains “on a good evolution.”
Fast-tracked into Spain’s senior team at 16, Yamal became the nation’s youngest-ever player and goalscorer. He starred in Spain’s Euro 2024 win, earning the Young Player of the Tournament award, and finished second in the latest Ballon d’Or rankings after helping Barcelona secure a domestic treble.
Experts warn that Yamal’s heavy workload, over 130 professional matches totaling nearly 9,800 minutes by age 18, could increase the risk of chronic injury if not carefully managed.