De la Fuente denies special privileges for Yamal amid delayed arrival at Spain’s camp

MADRID: Spain coach Luis de la Fuente defended Lamine Yamal against suggestions of preferential treatment after the forward was allowed to join the national team’s training camp later than the rest of the squad.

Yamal did not travel for Spain’s Nations League game against the Czech Republic on Thursday because of a knee issue, but he was expected to be available for the match against England on Sunday.

De la Fuente said he was upset with the coverage of Yamal’s delayed arrival, with some media reports suggesting that Yamal was being treated differently from other players. He said the Barcelona forward has inflammation in his right knee.