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Luis de la Fuente says that Lamine Yamal is ahead of schedule for Spain vs Cabo Verde, but his World Cup opener participation will depend on late fitness tests.
Lamine Yamal at Spain’s practice session ahead of the FIFA World Cup (Picture credit: AP)
Spanish football manager Luis de la Fuente has said he believes Lamine Yamal will be able to play in Spain’s FIFA World Cup opener against Cabo Verde on June 15, adding that his inclusion isn’t guaranteed and that evaluations will be held ahead of the match.
Yamal has yet to be declared fit and is in a race against time to be available for the tournament opener as he continues his recovery from a hamstring injury.
Speaking to the media earlier this week, de la Fuente revealed that Yamal is recovering ahead of schedule, but stressed that the team isn’t rushing his return. De la Fuente said that he wants Yamal to take his time in regaining full fitness and suggested that the winger could miss the opening game of the tournament.
“He is getting better fast, hitting all the targets earlier. I think he will be able to play the first game, but that does not mean [he will]. We will evaluate if he has to play a little bit, not play, or wait for the second game,” de la Fuente said.
“Lamine was born for this. He has a daring character. Maybe that [pressure] would have overwhelmed you or me. But these guys are special. How many times have we asked of a player: ‘How good was that guy, what happened to him? Why didn’t he make it?’ Because you have to be good at football and a thousand things more,” de La Fuente added.
Earlier this month, Luis de la Fuente requested Yamal to remain grounded despite the growing hype around him. The Spain coach stressed that the Barcelona teenager must stay focused on the fundamentals as he prepares for his FIFA World Cup debut.
“He simply needs to be aware of what he has in his hands, his feet and his heart. And show the world the kind of footballer he is. He needs to remain consistent, keep improving, keep working harder and taking better care of himself, even though he already does,” de la Fuente said.
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