Yamal to miss Czechia match with knee injury, set to return against England

Barcelona's Lamine Yamal will not play in Spain's Nations League match against Czechia on Thursday. The Spanish federation said on Monday that a knee injury has forced him to the sidelines.

Yamal hurt his right knee in Sunday's 2-1 La Liga win over Atletico Madrid. The 19-year-old forward played the full 90 minutes.

The Spanish federation said Yamal will receive treatment in Barcelona over the next few days so that he can join the Spain squad before Sunday's match against England in Madrid.

Real Sociedad striker Mikel Oyarzabal is also not travelling to Czechia. He has recovered from flu. The federation said he, like Yamal, is expected to return for the England match.

Yamal has started all 20 matches he has played for club and country so far this season. In that time he has scored 17 goals and provided 13 assists.

There have already been calls for his playing time to be managed wisely. Last season, Yamal's repeated groin injuries led to a dispute between Spain and Barcelona.

Barca coach Hansi Flick accused Spain coach Luis de la Fuente in September of not taking care of Yamal.

Yamal, who has already played 37 matches for Spain, won the World Cup last July. His team has won all of its first four Nations League matches.

A win over Czechia and a draw against England would make them group champions. The top two teams will play in the quarter-finals next March.