The 17-year-old Barcelona wonderkid was targeted by aggressive tackles as Spain beat Denmark 1-0 in the Nations League on Saturday (12.10.24) and the coach has warned that he is now a marked man by opposing defences after his heroics at Euro 2024.

De la Fuente said: "You have to apply the toughness that the rules allow.

"There is a referee there to mark the limit. Against young players with his talent, [opponents] try to intimidate and look for contact.

"The referee has to protect these talented players, but Lamine has to get used to it. I would love it to be a bed of roses, Flower Power, but this sport is like that.

"Lamine displayed an exceptional attitude and generated a lot for us from the right flank. He has a special talent. From there, I had a teammate who used to say: 'What do you want, kisses [from the opponents]?' Teams use the weapons they can within the rules."

Yamal was seen limping after the weekend's game and he will miss the match against Serbia on Tuesday (15.10.24) in order to avoid any further injury problems.

A statement said: "The tests did not reveal any structural injury, and the medical staff of the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) confirmed it is a case of muscle strain.

"Prioritising the player's health and to avoid any risk of injury ahead of the upcoming match against Serbia, it has been decided to withdraw him from the squad."