News Focus
- Lamine Yamal will not play in Spain’s first World Cup game against Cape Verde on 15 June
- The Barcelona star is recovering from a hamstring tear suffered last month
- He remains a serious doubt for the second group match against Saudi Arabia on 21 June
- Fermin Lopez is likely to miss the entire tournament after foot surgery
- Luis de la Fuente will announce his final squad on Monday 25 May
Spain manager Luis de la Fuente faces a major headache ahead of the World Cup in the United States. Barcelona teenage sensation Lamine Yamal is set to miss the national team’s opening fixture against Cape Verde.
The 18-year-old forward damaged his hamstring during a match against Espanyol last month. Medical staff now believe he cannot recover in time for the clash on 15 June. Sources suggest he may also sit out the second group game against Saudi Arabia five days later.
Yamal confirmed his status at a King’s League event this weekend. When asked if he would take a penalty for his team, he replied, “Not me. I am not touching a ball until the World Cup.”
The injury crisis deepens with Fermin Lopez almost certainly ruled out of the entire tournament. The midfielder underwent foot surgery following Barcelona’s victory over Real Betis. He was a key part of De la Fuente’s plans.
Fitness concerns also surround Nico Williams and Mikel Merino. Spain hope Yamal can return for their final group match against Uruguay on 26 June, or the knockout stages. De la Fuente names his squad next Monday.