Teenage Barcelona winger Lamine Yamal is expected to be fit for Spain’s World Cup opener against debutants Cape Verde on June 15, according to national team coach Luis de la Fuente.
Yamal and Athletic Bilbao winger Nico Williams both missed the end of their club season due to hamstring injuries but are now on track to recover in time for the tournament. Osasuna winger Víctor Muñoz is also expected to be available for Spain’s first match in Atlanta.
Coach de la Fuente explained that the trio remained at the team’s training base in the United States after medical staff advised against travelling to Mexico for a friendly against Peru, noting that their recovery is progressing well.
Spain, the reigning European champions, are among the favourites for the World Cup hosted across Canada, Mexico, and the United States. Yamal, in particular, is expected to play a major role as one of the tournament’s emerging stars.
After their opener against Cape Verde, Spain will face Saudi Arabia in Atlanta before concluding their group stage campaign against Uruguay in Guadalajara.
