Lamine Yamal Withdraws from Spain Squad After Muscle Strain

Spain will be without 17-year-old Lamine Yamal for their Nations League match against Serbia on Tuesday after the Barcelona winger suffered a muscle strain during Spain’s 1-0 victory over Denmark on Saturday. Yamal, who was substituted in injury time after receiving several tough tackles, underwent an MRI scan on Sunday. While no structural injury was detected, Spain’s medical team has opted to withdraw him from the squad to prevent further risk.

“Lamine displayed an exceptional attitude and generated a lot for us from the right flank. He has a special talent,” said Spain coach Luis de la Fuente, who also noted that the teenager must get accustomed to the physicality of top-level football.

Atletico Madrid’s Rodrigo Riquelme has been called up as Yamal’s replacement for the Serbia game.