Fornals: Spain can't dwell on Yamal injury fallout
Four years on from his most recent international appearance, Pablo Forbals is looking to make an impact in a Lamine Yamal-less Spain side.
Pablo Fornals says Spain cannot afford to be distracted by Lamine Yamal's injury fallout ahead of their remaining two World Cup qualifiers.
Yamal was named in Spain's squad for the games with Georgia and Turkiye, but the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) announced on Tuesday he had withdrawn.
Without the knowledge of Spain's medical staff, Barcelona forward Yamal underwent a minor procedure on Monday to deal with a niggling injury issue.
The RFEF expressed its "surprise and concern" at the news, while head coach Luis de la Fuente said he "had never experienced a situation like this before."
But Real Betis midfielder Fornals, back in the Spain squad four years after his most recent appearance, insists it is not something La Roja can be preoccupied by.
"[Yamal's] absence is obvious," Fornals said at a news conference on Wednesday. "But we can't dwell on it because we have two very important matches ahead.
"I saw him here, but only to say hello and goodbye. I hope now that he can recover soon. Nobody likes being injured."
Fornals has been capped six times by Spain and has played under Vicente del Bosque and Luis Enrique.
Not since a World Cup qualifying fixture against Greece in November 2021 has he represented his country, but Fornals is delighted to be back involved.
"Every minute with the national team is pure glory," he said. "I've received many special messages; more than even on my birthday!
"A lot has changed since my call-up, such as the coach and many team-mates who hadn't yet made their debuts, but I'm very happy."
Fornals, who played under De La Fuente for Spain Under-21s, has four assists in 12 LaLiga games this season – a tally only three others can better – as well as scoring two goals.
The 29-year-old has played in both defensive and attacking midfield roles at club level this season and is happy to play anywhere if selected by De La Fuente.
"Where the manager sees me is a question I ask myself," he said. "But wherever he puts me, I'll do my best.
"The coach is a hard worker and is someone who is passionate about what he does."
Spain effectively only need one win to guarantee a place at next year's World Cup, with their games against Georgia and Turkiye taking place on 15 and 18 November respectively.
