Yamal, Oyarzabal to Miss Spain vs Czechia Nations League Clash
Spain will be without two important attacking players, Lamine Yamal and Mikel Oyarzabal, for Thursday’s UEFA Nations League encounter against the Czech Republic after both were ruled out through injury and illness.
The Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) confirmed on Monday, November 9, that the Barcelona winger is experiencing discomfort in his right knee, while Real Sociedad forward Oyarzabal is recovering from flu. Both players are expected to join the national team camp later in the week ahead of Spain’s subsequent meeting with England.
Yamal Sidelined by Right Knee Discomfort
Yamal sustained the knee discomfort during Barcelona’s 2-1 victory over Atletico Madrid on Sunday, November 8.
The 19-year-old completed the match, which saw Fermin Lopez score twice for Barcelona, but subsequently underwent medical examinations after experiencing discomfort in his right knee.
Following discussions between Barcelona’s medical team and the Spanish federation, it was decided that the winger should remain in Barcelona to continue his recovery rather than immediately travel to join the national team.
The decision means Spain will be without one of its most influential attacking players for the trip to Prague.
However, the federation has not ruled him out of the entire international window and expects him to join the squad in the coming days.
Oyarzabal Recovering from Flu
Oyarzabal will also miss the Czechia fixture after falling ill with flu.
The Real Sociedad captain is completing his recovery in San Sebastián and will join Spain’s training camp in Las Rozas once he is sufficiently recovered.
The 29-year-old is an important figure in Luis de la Fuente’s squad, having regularly featured in Spain’s attacking setup.
His absence, alongside Yamal’s, leaves the national team without two experienced attacking options for Thursday’s encounter.
The RFEF said its medical staff remain in contact with the doctors at both clubs to monitor the players’ conditions and recovery.
England Match Could Mark Their Return
Despite missing the Czechia fixture, both players are expected to be available for Spain’s next Nations League match against England on Sunday, November 15.
The match will take place at the Metropolitano Stadium in Madrid, with Spain hoping to have its attacking options restored for the important encounter.
Their availability, however, will depend on their recovery over the coming days and the assessment of the medical teams.
Spain coach De la Fuente will therefore have to manage his available players carefully as the team prepares for the two remaining fixtures in its Nations League group campaign.
Spain Prepare for Czechia Without Two Key Attackers
Spain travel to Prague for Thursday’s match against the Czech Republic on November 12.
The reigning European champions entered the international window in a strong position, leading Group A3 with 12 points from four matches, according to reporting by the Associated Press.
England are second in the group with nine points, making the final fixtures important in determining the group standings.
Although Yamal and Oyarzabal’s absences represent a setback, Spain will look to its remaining attacking options to maintain its form against Czechia before turning attention to the meeting with England.
The federation will continue monitoring both players as it prepares for the final stages of the group campaign.
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