De la Fuente says late-fit players can still be decisive in knockouts | OneFootball

With the World Cup 2026 squad announcement nearing, injuries are shaping Spain’s plans, and Luis de la Fuente set out a flexible stance at a medical forum at Madrid’s CEMTRO clinic.

According to El Periódico Mediterráneo, a question about Lamine Yamal drew smiles, and the coach avoided names while stressing that call-ups consider every scenario, from game state to red cards. He underlined the value of players able to contribute for 20 minutes.

He pointed to Dani Olmo as a recent example, arriving injured, almost omitted, then proving decisive later in the Euros from the quarter-finals onward. For De la Fuente, impact at the right moment can outweigh starting availability.

Team doctor Óscar Celada backed patience, noting that recovery is not the same as regaining peak performance and that the greatest risk after a return is a new injury. He said constant dialogue with clubs and daily monitoring underpin decisions.

Dr Isabel Guillén of CEMTRO added that post-injury players are rarely at one hundred percent and training cannot replicate competition intensity. Problems often arise in changes of pace and fatigue can appear as early as minute five.

De la Fuente framed football as high risk within an unforgiving calendar, adding that while deeper squads allow rotation, almost everyone is at the limit and across 60 matches every player must be used. He also noted that footballers always want to play and may mask discomfort, so choices are reasoned and based on the group.

Medical staff now describe hamstrings as the new cruciates, with re-injuries common and timelines stretching in a packed schedule. That context means time, sensations and patience will be central with Lamine Yamal’s hamstring issue.

Source: El Periódico Mediterráneo