Spain XI vs Saudi Arabia: Lamine Yamal injury latest, confirmed team news and predicted lineup for World Cup 2026 | OneFootball

New Liverpool star dealt injury blow ahead of matchday two as Spain sweat over star man

Lamine Yamal has admitted that he is not yet ready to play a full 90 minutes as Spain prepare to face Saudi Arabia in the second of their World Cup 2026 group stage games.

The teenage star came into this tournament with a hamstring problem that ruled him out of the remainder of the club campaign, but he returned to action for his country in their shock 0-0 draw with Cape Verde in their opener.

He came on on the right flank for Luis de la Fuente’s side, but was given just 20 minutes to make an impact as the European champions were frustrated by the minnows.

Now, the Barcelona star has issued an update on his fitness ahead of taking on the Saudis in Atlanta, Georgia.

"I'm fine, I'm feeling good, but it's too soon, it's unnecessary,” Yamal told TVE about playing a full game.

Gavi was the starting left winger but was replaced by Nico Williams against Cape Verde, while Rodri, Pedri and Fabian Ruiz were the midfield three.

Comeback trail: Nico Williams

Getty

Don’t expect the engine room to change, but if Williams is fully fit, he is likely to come in on the left, despite an injury-hit campaign at Athletic Bilbao.

In defence, Marcos Llorente, a natural midfielder, was at right-back, and seems to be the first-choice there, while Marc Cucurella, now of Real Madrid, is on the left.

Pau Cubarsi and Aymeric Laporte will continue in the middle.

There is a blow for De La Fuente, with Victor Munoz, now of Liverpool, suffering a setback in his recovery from an underlying calf problem that he arrived in north America with.

The Spanish FA released a statement on the winger, saying: "During his scheduled and individualised recovery process, an additional muscle injury has occurred, which will delay his return to competition," the RFEF said about Munoz's latest injury.

"His availability for upcoming matches will depend on his progress and rehabilitation in the coming days."

Predicted Spain XI (4-3-3): Simon; Llorente, Cubarsi, Laporte, Cucurella; Pedri, Rodri, Fabian; Torres, Oyarzabal, Williams

Injured: Munoz

Date and time: 5pm BST on Sunday, June 21, 2026

Venue: Atlanta Stadium, Georgia

How to watch: BBC