Luis de la Fuente has reacted furiously to suggestions that Lamine Yamal enjoys extra privileges in the Spain camp, saying the "lies" to the contrary have hurt him.

Yamal will miss Spain's trip to Czechia on Thursday, having sustained a minor knee injury during Barcelona's 2-1 win over Atletico Madrid last weekend.

While De la Fuente confirmed on Wednesday that Yamal is expected to return to training on Friday, with a view to being available for Sunday's meeting with England, pundits in Spain have queried whether the winger receives special treatment from his head coach.

Some reports had suggested Yamal opted out of the Czechia game, but De la Fuente vehemently insists that is not the case.  

"Lamine suffered an injury and felt discomfort in his knee. He went for the usual treatment, and they discovered fluid in the knee and inflammation. That required rest," the Roja's World Cup-winning boss told reporters.

"Our medical staff, in coordination with his medical staff and I, decided that the best thing was for him to stay at home and train with his club, and to join us on Friday. 

"Is that clear now? I am here to clarify the matter. He does not enjoy any privileges.

"We would have done the same thing with any other player. It does not bother me. We miss all the players who are not with us. This is football, and these are injuries.

"There are things that affect me, and what hurts me most is the lying, and the absence of accuracy and credibility. It's fabrication. In the face of that, I try to reveal the truth.

"That is why I sometimes say more than I should. This is my way of revealing reality, through data. I cannot stand people who try to deceive you and lie to you."

 PRAGUE. The final stop on an unforgettable year. 🇨🇿 Spain face Czechia in the penultimate round of the UEFA Nations League, looking to hold on to top spot.  #VamosEspaña | #NationsLeague https://t.co/eAG9hrv3IG

— Spanish Football (@SpainIsFootball) November 10, 2026

In the 2026-27 edition of the Nations League, Yamal has netted four goals and supplied one assist in four outings – England captain and Ballon d'Or winner Harry Kane is the only player to outscore him, with six goals. 

With 12 points on the board after four games, Spain are already assured of their place in the quarter-finals. 

However, even if they beat Czechia on Thursday, they may still need to avoid defeat against England to top Group A3, assuming the Three Lions beat Croatia in their penultimate game.