Barcelona and the Royal Spanish Football Federation are locked in a dispute over the handling of Lamine Yamal's persistent groin injury, according to ESPN. The 18-year-old forward was withdrawn from Spain's World Cup qualifying matches this week after undergoing a medical procedure.

Spain manager Luis de la Fuente expressed frustration after Yamal joined the national team Monday but was released Tuesday following Barcelona's medical report. The RFEF said it only learned of the "invasive radiofrequency procedure" through a report received at 10:40 p.m. Monday, two hours after Yamal reported for duty.

"I've never experienced a situation like this before," De la Fuente said Tuesday. "I don't think it's very normal."

Barcelona president Joan Laporta countered Wednesday that Spain had been kept informed throughout the process. The club sought specialist advice before Yamal underwent the procedure, which requires 7-10 days rest.

This marks the second consecutive international window where Yamal has been withdrawn from Spain duty. Barcelona coach Hansi Flick previously accused Spain of failing to properly manage the teenager during September qualifiers against Turkey and Bulgaria.

When asked Friday if he had communicated with Spain about managing Yamal's minutes, Flick responded with a single word: "No."

De la Fuente emphasized the need for better dialogue between club and country. "What there needs to be is communication, a good relationship, sharing information," he said. "And in this case, there wasn't."

Yamal has played 140 senior games for club and country despite being just 18. A recent FIFPRO report showed he logged over 8,000 minutes before his 18th birthday, which is more than any other elite soccer player.

The winger is dealing with athletic pubalgia, a sports hernia caused by repetitive strain rather than impact. Barcelona sources indicate the injury worsened during September's international break. Club specialist Ernest Schilders assessed that surgery should not be required, though the condition requires careful management through strengthening exercises and controlled activity.