Spain coach Luis de la Fuente feared Lamine Yamal would miss the World Cup through injury and says the Barcelona star needs to be wrapped up to ensure he is in peak condition to spearhead the teams challenge.Yamal strained his right hamstring in the act of scoring a penalty in Barcelonas win over Celta Vigo in April, sparking concern he would be struggling to make this summers showpiece event in the United States, Canada and Mexico.The 18-year-old is still working his way back but is expected to be fit for Spains opener against Cape Verde on Monday.De la Fuente told AS: We were very worried. Because we saw that it was an injury that could not keep him out for three months but [the initial timeframe] of one and a half months could be extended.The deadlines that are being met are exceptional, as is the quality of recovery. We are not surprised, but very happy. Very happy because we are seeing that the recovery deadline is shortening, it is getting better every day. And that encourages you to think that he will be perfectly fine for the first game.Table of ContentsSpain will continue to wrap up superstar YamalFermin Lopezs absence disappoints Spain bossSpain will continue to wrap up superstar YamalIt is unlikely Yamal will start against Cape Verde in Atlanta and will instead be carefully managed in the group stage before being unleashed in the knockout rounds.The teenager was pivotal to Spains European Championship success in Germany two years ago and De la Fuente knows he has a special talent on his hands.He added: Yes, and he is very aware of it [as well]. He is a very mature footballer. And added to his talent, it means that we are talking so much about him and that he is demonstrating on the field, with an unusual naturalness, all his ability, his quality, his potential and his expectations.We celebrate it, but I keep saying that he is 18 years old and we must continue to take care of him, we must continue to wrap him up, we must continue to be by his side. Because he will still have many ups and downs that are normal and you always have to keep your feet on the ground. He is obsessed thinking about the World Cup.Fermin Lopezs absence disappoints Spain bossSpain have one of the strongest squads in the tournament but De la Fuente is still disappointed that Yamals Barca team-mate Fermin Lopez was ruled out by injury.He added: The absences that hurt the most are caused by injuries. In this case,Fermins. A footballer who was in a fantastic moment, exceptional, with a confidence, a security It could have been his World Cup. And he misses out because of an injury. Those absences hurt.De la Fuente rubbished Spains status as one of the favourites and indicated he felt the tournament was wide open.What is being a favourite?, he asked. They are comments that come from outside. Are we more of a favourite than France, Brazil, Argentina?We are going to be surprised, because we are going to meet teams that we dont know. And they are very powerful teams, physically and tactically. Technically, because they are teams that have players who are used to competing in different important clubs. And there are teams that are better adapted to these climatic situations, to these environments. That will also be handicap.In international football there is greater equality than at club level. The most important match of the World Cup for us is Cape Verde, there is no doubt. Topics FC Barcelona Lamine Yamal Spain National Football Team Add us as a preferred source on Google If you enjoy reading this article, you can help support our independent football journalism by adding 101 Great Goals as a preferred source You Should Also Read World Cup 2026: Full list of confirmed teams, fixtures, groups and results Ben Miller 13th June, 2026 Barcelona take first step towards lawsuit against Real Madrid president Perez Nicholas McGee 12th June, 2026 Yamal gives Spain boost as Barcelona star returns to team training Nicholas McGee 11th June, 2026 World Cup Sweepstake Generator: Will you get England, Brazil, France or Curacao? Jon Fisher 11th June, 2026 World Cup 2026: How long is Lamine Yamal out? Latest news, injury update and Barcelona and Spain wingers reaction to hamstring problem Ben Miller 10th June, 2026 Its over, Marcus! Rashfords Barcelona dream dies with forward set for unwanted return to Manchester United Jon Fisher 10th June, 2026
