Lamine Yamal to miss Spain’s Czech Republic match with knee pain

Lamine Yamal will miss Spain’s match against Czech Republic in Prague on Thursday after medical tests revealed he is suffering from pain in his right knee.

The Barcelona forward played in the club’s Spanish league victory over Atletico Madrid but reported discomfort afterwards. Tests carried out on Monday morning at Barcelona’s Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper found no serious injury.

However, the medical teams from Barcelona and Spain agreed not to risk Yamal against Czech Republic, allowing him time to recover. He is expected to join Spain’s training camp on Friday ahead of the meeting with England at the Metropolitano on Sunday.

That match could decide top spot in the group.

Yamal was one of the most influential players in Barcelona’s victory at the Metropolitano, despite not scoring. He repeatedly threatened the Atletico defence and caused problems for Alejandro Grimaldo.

He also created Barcelona’s second goal, scored by Fermin Lopez, underlining the strong understanding between the two players and their importance to the Catalan side’s attack.

Yamal set to miss first match of season

The game against Czech Republic will be the first competitive fixture Yamal has missed this season.

The 16-year-old has started all 16 of Barcelona’s matches so far, including 12 in the Spanish league and four in the Champions League. He has played 1,355 of a possible 1,440 minutes.

Yamal also started all four matches played by Spain during the previous international break, featuring for 281 of a possible 360 minutes.

Spain are also waiting for Mikel Oyarzabal to join the squad. The Real Sociedad forward missed the start of the camp because of influenza and is continuing his recovery in San Sebastian.

He is expected to be fit enough to take part in Sunday’s match against England.