Luis de la Fuente insists he has "a clear conscience" after Lamine Yamal's injury while on Spain duty sparked conflict with Barcelona boss Hansi Flick.

Flick criticised Spain's handling of young players after Yamal aggravated a chronic groin injury during the first international break of the season in September.

The teenager was selected for the World Cup qualifiers against Georgia and Turkey in November but was released from the squad after Barcelona informed Spain that he needed rest following a procedure on his groin.

De la Fuente admitted he was "surprised" at the time but assures there is no bad blood.

"I understand the role that each one of us has, and that we are going to defend what is ours," De la Fuente told AS.

"I understand his position, as he surely will understand mine, because he was also the coach of his country, Germany. I focus on my responsibility, which is to be Spain's coach, and that means bringing the best to represent our country. This alone justifies any of our decisions.

"And I want to stress that we take care of the health of the players, that it is a priority and that we can demonstrate it. Because when we have had the slightest doubt with Lamine, or with anyone else, he has not played and has returned to his club. I have a clear conscience."

Spain are on a 31-game unbeaten streak, surpassing the run enjoyed across their European Championship successes in 2008 and 2012 and their 2010 World Cup triumph.

La Roja are considered to be the favourites for this year's World Cup, where they have been drawn alongside Uruguay, Saudi Arabia and Cape Verde.

"The run highlights the great work of a group of exceptional players, but we still need to win a World Cup," said De la Fuente.

"This generation is capable of challenging for the next one. Going so many games unbeaten shows that we're doing a good job, which reflects the effort of everyone involved.

"We can be world champions. We can, and we will fight to be. But other teams will also try. None of the top teams will be left out, like Brazil, Argentina, Germany, France, Portugal, or Morocco.

"There hasn't been another World Cup with such a wide range of contenders as there will be in the next one."