Spain’s plans for injured Barcelona wonderkid spark internal concern at the club

Barcelona are reportedly growing increasingly uneasy over Spain’s handling of Lamine Yamal’s recovery, with concerns rising ahead of the national team’s opening match of the World Cup.

According to SPORT, the Catalan giants are worried that the teenager could be brought back into action before completing a fully controlled recovery process. 

While Spain remain optimistic about his chances of being available, Barcelona believe caution should remain the priority.

The situation has intensified following recent comments from Spain manager Luis de la Fuente regarding the fitness of several key players.

Barcelona concerned by Spain’s recovery timeline

Providing an update on his injured stars, De la Fuente indicated that Yamal is progressing well and could be available sooner than initially expected.

Spain expect Lamine to be ready for the World Cup opener. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

“These players (Lamine, Mikel Merino, Nico Williams) are making good progress in their recovery. 

“I think they’ll all be available for the first match, but we’ll assess whether it’s worth them playing that game, not so much because of the risk involved, but because our focus goes beyond just the second or third match.”

While the statement may sound positive from Spain’s perspective, it has created anxiety inside Barcelona.

It must be remembered that Yamal suffered a biceps femoris injury in his left leg during Barcelona’s victory over Celta Vigo on 22 April. 

The youngster has not played since then, with initial medical assessments placing his recovery period at around eight weeks.

Barcelona’s concerns are understandable

Barcelona are worried about Lamine Yamal’s handling. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

Spain are scheduled to begin their World Cup campaign against Cape Verde on 15 June. 

By that point, only 54 days will have passed since the injury, placing Yamal right at the earliest projected recovery window rather than the safer end of the timeline. That is believed to be at the heart of Barcelona’s concerns.

Notably, Yamal is yet to fully reintegrate into competitive football ever since his injury, as he did not travel with Spain for the friendly against Peru and instead remained at the training base in to continue following a personalised recovery programme.

Hence, it is understandable why Barcelona are growing worried about his handling.