When Spain take on Georgia in Tbilisi on Saturday, the defending European champions have 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification firmly on the line.
It's highly expected that Spain will lock down a spot at next summer's big dance, but with just a three-point lead over Turkey heading into the final two matches, mathematical confirmation has not yet been secured.
With that in mind, it's surprising not to see Barcelona superstar Lamine Yamal in the Spain squad, knowing that they still have to play a formidable Georgia side before a likely decider against Turkey to wrap things up.
AllSportsPeople explains why Lamine Yamal is not with Spain and when he could return.
MORE: How to watch Georgia vs. Spain in USA
Is Lamine Yamal injured?
According to Barcelona, Lamine Yamal is currently injured, leading to his withdrawal from the Spain national team in the November international break.
He is dealing with pubalgia, which is similar to a sports hernia. It is something that the teenager has been managing for some time now, and is likely to be managing for a good amount of time.
It is an increasingly common injury for speedy young athletes who rely on bursts of speed. Franco Mastantuono of Real Madrid, Cole Palmer of Chelsea, and Nico Williams of Athletic Club are others who have picked up the same injury.
Hansi Flick has stated that Lamine is playing through pain, and he has attempted to manage the issue for a number of months. Barcelona have brought in experts, including Belgian doctor Ernest Schilders, to visit the club's training ground and help Lamine manage the injury, according to The Athletic.
Spanish FA voice frustration with Barcelona over Lamine Yamal
While Barcelona maintain that Lamine Yamal was fully justified to withdraw from Spain international duty in November, the Spanish FA was not nearly as amenable to the decision.
The spat centers around the timing of a radiofrequency treatment which was recommended by Schilders and took place just before the international break. Lamine underwent the non-invasive treatment on Monday before traveling to Madrid to meet up with the Spain squad the following day, but suddenly withdrew before Tuesday was up.
This caused Spain to release a statement expressing their "surprise and displeasure" at not having been informed of the treatment and withdrawal until after "the national team camp had already started."
"I've never experienced a situation like this before," said Spain coach Luis de la Fuente on Tuesday after Lamine's withdrawal went public. "I don't think it's very normal." De la Fuente then suggested that Lamine was not properly informed of the recovery process following the procedure.
The Spain boss then backtracked these comments before the match against Georgia, saying, "The relationship with all the clubs is wonderful, although everything can be improved. We are doing excellently and we will continue to grow.
"The best news is that he has 15 years left with us. We have to think about the present and the future."