Spain forward Lamine Yamal targets World Cup opener against Cape Verde
Barcelona winger Lamine Yamal is on track to feature in Spain’s opening World Cup fixture against Cape Verde on 15 June after recovering from a hamstring injury.
The 18-year-old has been sidelined since 22 April, forcing him to miss the conclusion of his club’s La Liga-winning campaign.
Spain head coach Luis de la Fuente expressed cautious optimism regarding the teenage forward’s availability for the crucial group-stage match.
However, the manager remained non-committal on whether the highly-rated attacker would be fit enough to start the game.
Attacking trio making progress
The former La Masia prospect was left out of the squad for a final warm-up friendly against Peru in Mexico.
Fellow injury doubts Nico Williams and Victor Munoz were also omitted from the travelling party to prioritise their rehabilitation.
De la Fuente reassured supporters that all three forwards are making positive strides in their respective recoveries.
“All three are on track to be fit to play on the 15th,” he stated.
“We do not know how many minutes they will be able to play. But Lamine’s injury was different from Nico and Victor.”
“Each player will have their own recovery process and timeline.”
“However, the most important thing is that, within the timeframe we had planned, the 15th is achievable and will be met, so that they are with us and are available to be selected at some point during the opening game.”
Training ground intensity
With several key figures working their way back to full fitness, the national team is desperate to avoid any further casualties.
That caution explains the concern sparked by a heavy challenge from Gavi on team-mate Rodri during a Sunday training session.
The Manchester City midfielder appeared to be in considerable pain following the collision and required assistance to get back to his feet.
Despite the injury scare, De la Fuente remained entirely unfazed by the robust nature of the tackle.
“This is football. It’s training,” he added.
“The players are very committed, and nobody has to apologise to anybody.”
“Everything is fine. We know Gavi, he has that energy, that drive.”
“That’s one of his virtues. He has to control it and ration it, but I want this Gavi.”
Euro 2024 winners carry favourites tag
La Roja enter the North American tournament among the heavy favourites after triumphing at Euro 2024.
The Iberian nation boasts an exceptionally formidable record, having lost just once in their last 29 international matches.
That solitary defeat came via a penalty shootout against neighbouring Portugal in the 2025 Nations League final.
However, their recent preparations have been slightly inconsistent, including a 1-1 draw with Iraq last Thursday and a goalless stalemate against Egypt in March.
Attacker Yeremy Pino insists the squad is more than capable of handling the weight of expectation.
“The favourites tag is normal,” he told reporters.
“We’ve had some very good years and we carry that with a lot of pride.”
“Pressure should not make us play worse. It should make us improve and play better.”