Barcelona will once again see a strong representation in the Spanish national team, with **five Blaugrana players** named in Luis de la Fuente’s squad for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Georgia and Bulgaria. The list includes **Pau Cubarsí, Dani Olmo, Pedri, Ferran Torres, and 18-year-old sensation Lamine Yamal**.
But while the call-ups underline Barça’s influence in the Spanish setup, they have also reignited a heated debate — particularly regarding the management of Yamal’s fitness.
### The Yamal Dilemma
Yamal has only recently returned from a serious pubic bone injury that kept him sidelined for weeks. Barcelona’s medical team had been carefully monitoring his minutes to avoid a relapse, but their concerns were already put to the test during the September international break.
At that time, Yamal aggravated a groin problem while with Spain. Reports suggested he had played through the pain with the help of painkillers, a decision that caused frustration in Barcelona’s camp and raised questions about whether his long-term health was being sacrificed for short-term gain.
Now, with another international call-up just weeks later, many inside the club fear history could repeat itself.
### Flick and Deco Raise the Alarm
Manager **Hansi Flick** has previously expressed unease about Spain’s handling of young players, openly criticizing the medical protocols during the last break. His concerns have been echoed by **Barcelona sporting director Deco**, who has urged for better communication between club and country.
“Improved coordination is essential,” Deco stressed, warning that without it, controversies will continue to flare. The main worry, according to both Flick and Deco, is that Yamal’s development — and potentially his career longevity — could be jeopardized if his injuries are not managed with greater caution.
### A Growing Club vs. Country Battle
This tug-of-war between Barcelona and the Spanish federation is far from new, but Yamal’s situation has added extra tension. At just 18 years old, he is already considered one of the brightest young stars in European football. For Barça, the stakes are enormous: protecting their crown jewel from burnout. For Spain, the priority is immediate performance in vital World Cup qualifiers.
The balancing act between safeguarding a player’s future and maximizing his present output has rarely been more stark — and the controversy surrounding Yamal is likely to dominate discussions in the weeks to come.
