What do those people want?

International breaks are a headache that, in a World Cup year, turns into a nightmare. Clubs tremble because they lose control of their players. Everything changes: the routines of physical preparation and training, the management of effort during matches, and much more. And to this disruption, we must add the players' legitimate desire to secure a place in the most prestigious competition. This means they aren't always entirely honest about their feelings or how they should pace themselves on the pitch. They don't want to fall behind in a crucial race: the superstars, to prove they are undisputedly the best; those fighting for a place, to leave no room for doubt. All of this exacerbates the already strained injury lists.

Hansi Flick keeps repeating that he eagerly awaits the return of the injured players, abandoning his usual "no excuses" approach. And, while marking the calendar, he also has to light a candle so that everyone returns from their travels safe and sound. This is where the conflict between Barça and the Spanish national team over Lamine Yamal's pubalgia comes in. A war that the Catalan club is winning against a veritable brick wall personified by Luis de la Fuente and a doctor, Óscar Celada, who is both authorizing injections for Lamine Yamal to exploit him with the Spanish national team despite his discomfort and working for his club, Atlético de Madrid. It is Celada who gets angry when Barça's medical staff unilaterally decide that Lamine Yamal should be treated by a renowned doctor close to him. Just as he failed to see that they were going to hold back with the teenage striker in September, when he returned from international duty with Spain with edema in the affected area.

Given the Spanish national team's intransigence regarding Lamine Yamal, which contrasts sharply with the Nico Williams case and the treatment of Athletic Club, Barça is authorized to protect him as much as it sees fit without having to offer explanations. Those who did whatever they wanted with Lamine Yamal at the root of all these problems can't complain about a lack of communication. At this point, what they should do is understand that they, too, have the greatest interest in Lamine Yamal recovering and returning to 100%. They should put their egos aside and think about the young man's health. Or do they intend for him not to make it to the World Cup? And, while they're at it, they should remember one small detail: the player belongs to Barça.