RFEF director bites back at Barcelona over Yamal case – “They didn’t indicate”

Lamine Yamal has yet to feature for Barcelona since returning from Spain duty earlier this month with a hip injury. Hansi Flick took aim at the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) over their handling on the situation, claiming that they played him for significant minutes despite knowing that he was carrying an issue.

RFEF sources denied this, although further information emerged that appeared to back up Barcelona’s complaints. However, a fresh rebuttal has now been issued by Aitor Karanka, who is the director of football for the Spanish national team.

Speaking to Diario AS, Karanka expressed surprise at Flick’s comments, as well as Barcelona’s complaints, on the matter.

“I was surprised. I think the communication with all the clubs is fantastic. The medical services had no indication of any pubic problem. The important thing is that he is practically recovered and that we continue to see him on the pitch, which is what we all want.

“Each coach manages the minutes in a different way. Lamine when he was substituted for both games did not come out happy, showing that ambition he has. But there was no information from Barcelona that he had any discomfort when Lamine returned to the club.”

Lamine Yamal has missed Barcelona’s three matches since the international break, although he has not been missed himself as the Catalans have won all three – against Valencia, Newcastle United and Getafe. He will almost certainly be absent for Thursday’s trip to Real Oviedo, although there is optimism about his participation against Real Sociedad this weekend.

It will be interesting to see whether Spain head coach Luis de la Fuente calls up Lamine Yamal for Spain’s fixtures during the October international break. If he has returned to action by that time, it is expected that he will be sought, although that could be dependant on whether Barcelona take issue.