Spain winger Lamine Yamal declares fitness for Saudi Arabia match
Spain forward Lamine Yamal has declared himself fit for Sunday’s crucial World Cup group match against Saudi Arabia, though the teenager admits he is not yet ready to complete a full 90 minutes.
The Barcelona winger was limited to a 19-minute substitute appearance during La Roja’s shock goalless draw with Cape Verde in their tournament opener following a hamstring injury.
“I feel really good,” the teenager told Spanish television.
“I’m excited above all, I’ve been off the field for a long time.”
Careful adaptation process
“I feel good physically, I’m ready for whatever the boss wants,” added the gifted attacker.
“It’s very early, it’s unnecessary to play 90 minutes, I have a process of adaptation, it isn’t the moment to play a full game but I’ll play the minutes the boss wants.”
Spain head coach Luis de la Fuente acknowledged that his side were severely hampered by the youngster’s restricted game time in their opening fixture.
“As soon as Lamine came on, he changed how Cape Verde were playing,” noted the manager.
Must-win encounter
The 2010 world champions dominated the Cape Verde match with 27 shots and an expected goals tally of 2.29, but were repeatedly thwarted by inspired goalkeeper Vozinha.
Consequently, the pressure has mounted significantly ahead of their second group stage encounter against the Green Falcons.
Fellow Barcelona prodigy Pau Cubarsi believes the squad possesses enough depth to secure a vital victory even if their star winger cannot start.
“We all know how good Lamine is, so if he can get in, he will help us a lot,” said the defender.
“But I think those who can make up for it will do it just as well or better.”
“We have to give our all, because it’s like a final and the whole team knows the importance of this match,” Cubarsi concluded.
