Martinez says Yamal’s Spain absence was injury-related, not avoidance

Alfredo Martinez, a journalist for Catalan newspaper Sport, has strongly defended Lamine Yamal after criticism of the Barcelona and Spain forward’s decision to miss the match against the Czech Republic.

Martinez said Yamal had not tried to avoid international duty and was genuinely suffering from inflammation in his knee, with fluid building up around the joint. That led Spain’s coaching staff to take a cautious approach to his condition.

Spain manager Luis de la Fuente was forced to speak openly about the issue, according to Martinez, after Yamal developed inflammation in his knee following a movement during the match against Aston Villa. The player was also experiencing fluid in the joint.

“What more is needed to make it clear? Lamine Yamal does not avoid call-ups,” Martinez said.

He argued that Yamal’s absence against the Czech Republic was a consequence of his physical condition rather than an attempt to distance himself from the national team.

Martinez also criticised what he described as a constant search for complications in ordinary decisions, such as resting players before important matches and managing their workload to ensure they reach peak fitness.

He claimed some critics were unable to appreciate Yamal’s performances simply because he does not play for the club they support.

The journalist went further by suggesting Yamal could become, or may already be, the best player Spain has ever had. He said the forward’s ability gives him the opportunity to help the national team win a number of trophies.

Yamal’s ambition, desire to win and determination to break records were also consistent with the exceptional level of his football, Martinez added.

Barcelona’s role in Spain

Martinez acknowledged that several Barcelona players have suffered injuries while on international duty in recent call-up periods, but described those incidents as unfortunate and accidental.

He referred specifically to Gavi’s serious injury in Valladolid. At the time, the Spain midfielder had been an indispensable part of the national team, and Martinez said he had not been the same player since that unfortunate setback.

The journalist said Yamal was repeatedly placed “at the centre of the storm” by his critics instead of receiving the support and appreciation that could help him feel as comfortable with Spain as he does with Barcelona.

He added that the youngster had shown his commitment to the national team, including by speeding up his recovery in an effort to return in time to play and help Spain win a second World Cup.

Martinez also defended Barcelona’s historic contribution to Spain’s successes, saying the club had always provided a significant part of the national-team foundation when Spain won the World Cup or European Championship.

He accused some of Yamal’s critics of applying “double standards”, claiming they supported voting for Kylian Mbappe in the race to be named the world’s best player while overlooking the repeated absences of players from their own clubs during France and Uruguay call-ups, a reference to Real Madrid.

Martinez concluded that Yamal’s connection with Barcelona was the main reason for the criticism, arguing that both the club and player were permanent targets for some followers.

“Forgive them, Yamal, because they do not know what they are saying,” he added.