Pablo Fornals says Spain cannot afford to be distracted by Lamine Yamal's injury fallout ahead of their remaining two World Cup qualifiers.
Yamal was named in Spain's squad for the games with Georgia and Turkiye, but the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) announced on Tuesday he had withdrawn.
Without the knowledge of Spain's medical staff, Barcelona forward Yamal underwent a minor procedure on Monday to deal with a niggling injury issue.
The RFEF expressed its "surprise and concern" at the news, while head coach Luis de la Fuente said he "had never experienced a situation like this before."
But Real Betis midfielder Fornals, back in the Spain squad four years after his most recent appearance, insists it is not something La Roja can be preoccupied by.
"[Yamal's] absence is obvious," Fornals said at a news conference on Wednesday. "But we can't dwell on it because we have two very important matches ahead.
"I saw him here, but only to say hello and goodbye. I hope now that he can recover soon. Nobody likes being injured."
Fornals has been capped six times by Spain and has played under Vicente del Bosque and Luis Enrique.
Not since a World Cup qualifying fixture against Greece in November 2021 has he represented his country, but Fornals is delighted to be back involved.
"Every minute with the national team is pure glory," he said. "I've received many special messages; more than even on my birthday!
"A lot has changed since my call-up, such as the coach and many team-mates who hadn't yet made their debuts, but I'm very happy."
Fornals, who played under De La Fuente for Spain Under-21s, has four assists in 12 LaLiga games this season – a tally only three others can better – as well as scoring two goals.
The 29-year-old has played in both defensive and attacking midfield roles at club level this season and is happy to play anywhere if selected by De La Fuente.
"Where the manager sees me is a question I ask myself," he said. "But wherever he puts me, I'll do my best.
"The coach is a hard worker and is someone who is passionate about what he does."
Spain effectively only need one win to guarantee a place at next year's World Cup, with their games against Georgia and Turkiye taking place on 15 and 18 November respectively.
Dumbimruz
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1
Saaaiouyz
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dikbdlruy
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YAMAAL ANAA KU WASO
SAVAGE2020
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Spain been reaching final and winning trophies without yamal, so his absence mean nothing.
They’ve won zero trophies without Yamal oga, In which era?? has hate blinded so many of you to the facts? The last time Spain lifted silverware, Yamal was the standout player for both team and tournament. This is a new Spanish generation, and at just 18, Yamal is already one of its biggest and best talents. They cannot afford to lose or bench him under any circumstances, so wake up to reality, yamal is a vital asset to Spain and Barcelona, what does that tell you?
besbklrz
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cant you play without yamal st*pid coach since you finished Gavi career you have move on from him yamal is your next target
Sizabcluyz
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Spain been reaching final and winning trophies without yamal, so his absence mean nothing.
Hritangshu93
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Come on Spain....you have so many other options in the right flank......now that Yamal is injured play others and get on
Vieaeklmtz
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Disrespectful to all the other players in spain Selección Spain did not get to where they are with no yamal they were winning long before he existed
They don't value him because he comes from Morocco
Bigkid97
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No problem 👍 wishing you all the best .
Vowcemnt
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Disrespectful to all the other players in spain Selección Spain did not get to where they are with no yamal they were winning long before he existed
So what's the hype about him missing. Make it make sense pls
Gannymalta
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I heard somewhere that one player factor doesn't affect the whole team. Spain without Yamal remains Spain
RonaldDinho_10
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Bro is so afraid to play without Pedri and Yamal 😭😭
Bitacmorsz
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yes
Bitacmorsz
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hey
yeteikorst
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Showex
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Disrespectful to all the other players in spain Selección Spain did not get to where they are with no yamal they were winning long before he existed
You are saying bullshit, when mbappe and other Madrid players were doing there’s i guess cat cut ur tongue then. This same player went to international break last time, they were given him pain killers to play and you expect the team just to sit down and do nothing when Madrid were protecting there players and feeling too big to release there players when then like
baoadlprt
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messi is good
Tocilostyz
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Yamal is Barcelona he's fit, in Spain he's injured... Can't he just go back to Somalia if he doesn't want to represent Spain
veecmpsuz
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the struggle of talented kids… getting pulled in different directions. someone will have an issue with either choice made
Zuzcistuy
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hi
hossanna
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allowed him to rest
kayusmessi
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Disrespectful to all the other players in spain Selección Spain did not get to where they are with no yamal they were winning long before he existed
Today yamal is d most important in Spanish national team d second best player in d world, hug transformer if it hurt u
kandmopty
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If the England 🏴 players love to be strong and famous the mast leaves England Better place for him out of England like 3 players you can say the names
kandmopty
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No Yamal no final for Spain don’t forget
kandmopty
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If Messi come to Barcelona by selling the shirt 👕 👚 they’ll be bring Holland
seebklosy
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Disrespectful to all the other players in spain Selección Spain did not get to where they are with no yamal they were winning long before he existed
Huyeiloy
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El cilaciko
Kobbcoryz
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How is the Game
kandmopty
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Yamal with Spain just in final well be great other Spain players can continue with out him well Spain has more players in his lineup no weary