Both wingers are available but will be used carefully, says Spain coach
Spain will have Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams available for their World Cup opener against Cape Verde, although neither winger is ready to play a full match, according to head coach Luis de la Fuente.
The pair have been recovering from hamstring injuries sustained towards the end of the La Liga season and had been considered doubts for Spain’s opening fixture. Yamal, in particular, had appeared unlikely to feature after suffering his injury during Barcelona’s victory over Celta Vigo in April.
De la Fuente confirmed both players have returned to training and are fit enough to be involved, but said that following medical advice they will be used cautiously.
“Lamine is in perfect condition,” the Spain manager said. “He has trained excellently and we have all players available. We are following all the medical recommendations from the national team and also from the clubs. He is not in a position to play the full 90 minutes, but he can participate if we feel it’s needed.”
The Spain coach declined to reveal whether Yamal would start against Cape Verde but said any involvement would be carefully managed. Williams, who also missed the end of the season with a hamstring problem, will also have his minutes managed.
“He is in the same situation as Yamal,” De la Fuente said. “They have gone through a similar recovery process. He can play at any given time if the match asks for it, but not from the start.”
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The availability of both forwards is a significant boost for one of the tournament favourites. Yamal and Williams formed a key partnership during Spain’s Euro 2024 triumph and remain central to De la Fuente’s attacking plans.
Yamal arrives at the World Cup after another outstanding campaign with Barcelona, scoring 24 goals and providing 18 assists as the club secured the Liga title. The 18-year-old is set to make his World Cup debut in North America, while Williams returns to the tournament four years after Spain’s round-of-16 exit in Qatar.
Spain face Cape Verde on Monday before meeting Saudi Arabia in their second group match.
