Lamine Yamal Ruled Out of Spain’s Nations League Trip to Czech Republic With Knee Problem

admin · November 9, 2026 · 3 min read

Illustration of a floodlit soccer stadium with an empty pitch and a ball at the center circle

Spain will be without star winger Lamine Yamal for Thursday’s UEFA Nations League match against the Czech Republic after the 19-year-old reported pain in his right knee following Barcelona’s 2-1 win over Atletico Madrid on Sunday.

The Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) confirmed on Monday, November 9, that Yamal will stay in Barcelona to continue his recovery rather than travel with the squad. He is expected to rejoin the national team camp in the coming days and should be available for Sunday’s match against England.

How the problem emerged

Yamal played the full 90 minutes of Barcelona’s victory at the Metropolitano Stadium on Sunday, a result that left the Catalan club three points clear of Real Madrid at the top of La Liga after 12 rounds. He registered an assist in the win, with Fermin Lopez scoring both Barcelona goals.

The discomfort in his right knee was reported after the match. Medical tests carried out on Monday morning found no major structural damage, according to reports, and Barcelona are said to be calm about the situation. After consultations between the medical staffs of the club and the national team, it was decided not to risk the teenager on the trip to the Czech Republic.

“Both players will join the camp in the coming days to be available to face England at the Metropolitano,” the RFEF said in a statement.

Oyarzabal also out

Yamal is not the only absentee. Real Sociedad forward Mikel Oyarzabal will also miss the Czech Republic game as he recovers from flu. Like Yamal, he is expected to join the camp later in the week and be available for the England match.

Spain coach Luis de la Fuente will have to reshuffle his attack for Thursday’s game, which is being played in Olomouc. Spain already lead their Nations League group with 12 points from four matches, three ahead of second-place England, and have already secured a place in the quarter-finals.

A careful approach with a key player

The decision reflects how carefully both Barcelona and Spain now manage Yamal’s fitness. He is the first-choice winger for club and country at just 19, and Thursday’s game in Prague would have been the first official fixture he has missed this season. With the bigger test against England coming three days later at the Metropolitano, neither side saw a reason to take a chance.

Barcelona return to club action after the international break against Villarreal at Camp Nou on November 22, and they will be watching Yamal’s recovery closely as well. For now, the signs are encouraging: no structural damage, a short rest, and a realistic target of returning for England on Sunday, November 15.

What happens next

Spain face the Czech Republic on Thursday, November 12, before hosting England on Sunday, November 15, in a top-of-the-group clash at the Metropolitano Stadium in Madrid. Yamal’s participation in that match will depend on how his knee responds over the next few days of rehabilitation in Barcelona.