Lamine Yamal cleared for Spain’s World Cup opener as Barcelona approve phased comeback | OneFootball

Barcelona have been maintaining a close eye on Lamine Yamal’s recovery and injury status at the Spanish national team and are actively ensuring that his situation is handled well.

Their external physiotherapist, Fernando Galan, is part of La Roja’s medical team and is serving as a useful intermediary between Barcelona and the national team camp.

He has been monitoring Yamal’s recovery from injury right from the get-go, and is continuing to do so and keep Barcelona updated in the process. On that front, a big decision has been reached about Yamal’s return.

Ready for the opener

As confirmed by Diario AS in a recent report, Barcelona see that the initially stipulated six-week window has been crossed, and that if there is no further setback, the youngster can participate in Spain’s World Cup opener against Cape Verde.

Yamal has been working on his recovery in coordination with club and country. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

There are, however, some strict conditions under which they prescribe that the return be allowed including a gradual and phased return to action.

Barcelona see it fit for Yamal to play just fifteen minutes in Spain’s first game of the tournament and if his feelings are positive, between 45 and 60 minutes in the second game against Saudi Arabia. 

A starter for the big game

The idea and purpose of the phased approach with Yamal is to ensure he has no relapse and that he is ready for when the big games in the event start. If Spain follow Barcelona’s ‘rules’, the player will be ready to start Spain’s third game against Uruguay.

Yamal will feature in Spain’s WC opener. (Photo by Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images)

As the tournament grows deeper, Spain’s necessity to have Yamal on the field for the entire game will grow astronomically and it is in the team’s best interest to ensure he is slowly brought up to speed.

After all, the opening two games may not be as challenging as the ones to follow, and it is best to hand the rest where it is possible with minimal consequences.