Spain’s Lamine Yamal says he is not ready for 90 minutes
Spain's Lamine Yamal will continue to play limited minutes in the World Cup as he manages his recovery from a recent hamstring injury.
Mehmet Şahinoğlu ·
Spain winger Lamine Yamal said on Friday he is not yet ready to play a full 90 minutes as he recovers from a hamstring injury suffered in mid-April, ahead of Sunday’s World Cup Group H match against Saudi Arabia in Atlanta. The 18-year-old Barcelona player said it is “very early” and “unnecessary” to push for a complete match at this stage.
Spain opened their campaign with a surprise 0-0 draw against debutants Cape Verde on Monday. Yamal made his first appearance since the injury in that game, coming on as a 71st-minute substitute.
Coach Luis de la Fuente said on Thursday that Yamal should be able to play “an hour” this weekend. Yamal said he can play whatever minutes the coach wants, but indicated he does not consider a full match the right target yet.
Spain look for first Group H win
The match against Saudi Arabia is Spain’s second fixture in Group H and comes with added pressure after the opening draw. Spain are the reigning European champions and entered the tournament among the pre-competition favourites, but they need a win to settle the group-stage picture.
De la Fuente must decide whether to start Yamal or use him off the bench again, balancing the need for points with the winger’s return-to-play limits. Any minutes-management plan could also shape Spain’s tactical approach in and out of possession.
Teammates back Yamal’s impact
Barcelona teammate Pau Cubarsi said on Friday that Yamal’s qualities are well known and that he will help the team whether he starts or is introduced later. Cubarsi added that whoever plays in Yamal’s place can also perform well for Spain.
Spain have not progressed beyond the round of 16 at a World Cup since winning the title in 2010, a record that has sharpened expectations around this squad. Managing Yamal’s fitness while building momentum in the group stage is one of the immediate tests.
Spain face Saudi Arabia on Sunday, with Yamal’s available minutes expected to be a key selection factor for De la Fuente in Atlanta.