Spain manager De la Fuente has revealed his concerns about Lamine Yamal’s World Cup chances
Spain coach Luis de la Fuente fears Lamine Yamal will miss the World Cup through injury and says the Barcelona star needs to be “wrapped up” to ensure he is fit to lead the club’s challenge.
Yamal strained his right hamstring while taking a penalty during Barcelona’s win over Celta Vigo in April, prompting concerns that he would struggle to make this summer’s tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
The 18-year-old is still working his way back but is expected to be ready for Spain’s 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… [the initial timeframe] of one and a half months can be extended.
“The deadlines to meet are different, as well as the level of recovery. We are not surprised, but we are very happy. We are very happy because we see that the deadline for recovery is getting shorter, it is getting better every day. And that encourages you to think that he will be even better in the first game.”
Spain will continue to ‘wrap’ star Yamal
Yamal is unlikely to start against Cape Verde in Atlanta and will instead be treated carefully in the group stage before being eliminated in the knockout round.
The youngster has been key to Spain’s European Championship success over the past two years and De la Fuente knows he has a special talent on his hands.
He added: “Yes, and you know a lot about it [as well]. He is a very mature footballer. And added to his talent, it means that we talk a lot about him and that he shows on the field, in an extraordinary nature, all his skills, his level, his strength and his expectations.
“We are celebrating but I keep saying that he is 18 years old and we must continue to take care of him, continue to hug him, continue to be by his side because he will have many normal events and you must keep your foot on the ground.
The absence of Fermin Lopez is disappointing for the Spanish manager
Spain have one of the strongest teams in the tournament but De la Fuente is still disappointed that Yamal’s Barca teammate Fermin Lopez has been withdrawn through injury.
He added: “The absence that has hurt me the most is due to injury. In this case, Fermin’s. A footballer who had a wonderful, unique, confident, and secure time… It could be his World Cup. And he is missing out due to injury. That absence hurts.”
De la Fuente dismissed Spain as one of the favourites, and said he felt the tournament was wide open.
“What is being a favorite?,” he asked. “It’s the ideas from outside. Are we more favorite than France, Brazil, Argentina?
“We will be surprised, because we will meet teams we do not know. And they are strong teams, physically and mentally. Technically, because they are teams with players who are used to competing in different important teams. And there are teams that are better adapted to these weather conditions, in these places. That will be a handicap.
“In international football, there is greater equality than the level of the team. The most important game of the World Cup for us is Cape Verde, there is no doubt.”
