Spain manager predicts Lamine Yamal will feature in World Cup opener | OneFootball

Spain manager Luis de la Fuente is optimistic that Lamine Yamal will be fit to face Cape Verde in their World Cup opener on the 15th of June. There was initially doubt over the ability of the La Roja star to feature in the first two group games, the second coming against Saudi Arabia on the 21st of June, but it seems he could make it.

The 18-year-old Barcelona star has been out of action since mid-April after suffering a grade two hamstring tear, which forced him off against Celta Vigo. He did not play again this season, and like fellow wingers Victor Munoz and Nico Wililams also arrived injured to the Spain camp. Arsenal midfielder Mikel Merino trained with La Roja on Wednesday, coming off a long-term absence, and de la Fuente told Marca that he was happy with how they were training.

Lamine Yamal could play in Spain-Cape Verde

Speaking to the press from Riazor in Galicia, where Spain take on Iraq in their final friendly on Spanish soil before they travel to the World Cup, de la Fuente was optimistic about Lamine Yamal.

“Neither Lamine, Nico, nor Victor will play tomorrow. We’re hopeful Lamine will be ready by the 15th, but I don’t know for sure. If things continue as they are, he might be ready then, but it doesn’t guarantee he’ll have to play. We’ll assess the situation as it unfolds.”

De la Fuente happy with Marc Bernal

One player who won’t be going to the World Cup, but was one of nine players called up to a ‘support group’, was midfielder Marc Bernal. De la Fuente was pleased with what he is seeing from the Barcelona teenager.

“We’re very happy with everyone. When you’re with them, you bring out the essence and potential of the footballer. Marc has a wonderful future; if he continues working with the same humility and professionalism, he’s going to go far. We’re thrilled.”

Lamine Yamal is one of eight Barcelona players called up by de la Fuente for the World Cup, which makes up nearly a third of their World Cup squad. After Spain travel to the World Cup, Bernal will begin his holidays, with Barcelona returning to preseason two days before the final.