Spain coach Luis de la Fuente is optimistic that Barcelona winger Lamine Yamal will recover from a knee problem in time to face England in the Nations League on Sunday.

The 19-year-old will miss Spain’s trip to face the Czech Republic in Prague on Thursday after developing discomfort in one knee during Barcelona’s 2-1 La Liga victory over Atletico Madrid on Sunday.

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Spain announced on Monday that Yamal would not travel with the squad for the Czech Republic fixture, allowing him to receive treatment and rest.

Speaking to reporters on Wednesday, De la Fuente said medical examinations in Barcelona revealed inflammation and fluid in the winger’s knee.

“He got hurt in the last match, he had some discomfort in one knee, he went for the usual treatment, a scan in Barcelona, and they saw he had inflammation and fluid in the knee, that meant he needed rest,” the coach said.

He explained that the decision to keep Yamal away from the squad for the Czech Republic match was taken in consultation with the player’s medical team.

“Our medical staff and his medical staff have a fantastic relationship, and I decided that his trip here should be avoided without knowing whether he’d be in any condition to play,” De la Fuente added.

The Spain coach said he had spoken with Yamal and was encouraged by the progress of his recovery ahead of England’s visit to Madrid.

“He’s doing a series of exercises with his physio and with the club that indicate the recovery is going well,” he said.

“We believe, I’m optimistic, that on Friday he’ll be with us.”

De la Fuente also rejected suggestions that Yamal, who finished third in the Ballon d’Or voting in October, received preferential treatment compared with other members of the national team.

“He has no privileges, and his team-mates are relaxed about it, because we treat everyone the same,” he said.

“In similar situations we would have done exactly the same for any other player, and the players know that.”

Meanwhile, Spain head into the Czech Republic fixture with an impressive record in the Nations League. They have won all four of their Group A3 matches and secured qualification for the quarter-finals.

De la Fuente’s side are also unbeaten in their last 43 competitive matches, a run the coach said had become an additional source of motivation.

“We want to keep setting new milestones, and this is another one,” he said.

He admitted that reaching the current mark had exceeded expectations, but said the team was eager to extend the run.

Spain won their previous match away to Croatia, with Arsenal midfielder Mikel Merino scoring twice.

Merino has often been used as a substitute by De la Fuente, but has delivered important goals from the bench, including against Portugal and Belgium in the World Cup this summer.

The midfielder said he would welcome more playing time but remained committed to respecting the coach’s decisions.

“Of course, what player wouldn’t like to get (more) minutes?” Merino told reporters.

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“You’ll never hear me complain about the coach’s decision, I will respect it… but all players want to be important, have minutes and enjoy themselves on the pitch.”