Spain boss hits back at critics after Lamine Yamal injury

Spain boss Luis de la Fuente has fired back after receiving criticism for overworking Barcelona's Lamine Yamal, defiantly insisting that the national team staff "are not kamikazes".

Yamal limped out of Spain's 1-0 victory over Denmark on Saturday after receiving treatment on the pitch for muscular problem. An MRI scan revealed that the 17-year-old had avoided any serious structural damage but did suffer an overload in his left hamstring.

Barcelona's Gavi, Pedri and Ansu Fati have all suffered long-term injuries in recent years after a heavy match schedule for their club and the Spain national team.

In response to the calls that he should have rested Yamal, De la Fuente told assembled media: "We all want to win and we have to use the tools we have. That's what we're paid for, but we're not kamikazes who put the health of the players at risk."

The teenage sensation has started Spain's last seven international fixtures, including the triumphant Euro 2024 final against England, and has scarcely been afforded any rest at club level.

"Lamine had some discomfort at the end of the match," De la Fuente added ahead of Spain's midweek meeting with Serbia.

"I spoke to him and he told me that he thought he wouldn't be 100% fit on Tuesday and when in doubt we always bet on the health of the athlete. Football is football, if it has to happen, it will happen. The message is always the same and that's why he's at home. He played because he had to play and there's no more debate."

De la Fuente then went on the offensive. "What saddens me the most is that there are people who take the bait," he said. "I'll make that clear. Last year we played 17 international matches because we were lucky enough to reach the final of the European Championship, but this year we're going to play ten. In total 27 in two years, one a month. The problem is another and we have enough with our own problems.

"I haven't spoken to anyone at Barca, although I have a good relationship with them. He's been honest, he's not feeling well and I thank him for his maturity to tell me that he's not 100%. I thank him for that."

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