For the second time in two months, the relationship between Barcelona and the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) has been pushed to breaking point over the handling of Lamine Yamal 's persistent groin injury.

In September, it was Barça coach Hansi Flick who was furious with how Spain accelerated Yamal's recent fitness issues in FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Turkey and Bulgaria , accusing them, and national team coach Luis de la Fuente, of failing to take care of their young players.

This time, it is Spain and De la Fuente who have been left "surprised" after losing the 18-year-old forward for this week's vital matches against Georgia and Turkey when they hope to book their place in next year's finals in Canada, Mexico and the United States.

- Yamal is key for

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