Spain have received a significant boost ahead of their opening match at the FIFA World Cup after teenage sensation Lamine Yamal returned to full training, raising hopes that one of the team’s biggest attacking threats will be available against Cape Verde.
La Roja are scheduled to begin their Group H campaign against Cape Verde on Sunday at Atlanta Stadium in the United States, with head coach Luis de la Fuente expected to have several key players back in contention following recent injury concerns.
According to the Daily Mail, Yamal, Victor Munoz and Nico Williams all participated in full training sessions this week, marking an encouraging step for Spain after weeks of uncertainty surrounding the squad’s fitness.
Spain had entered their World Cup preparations dealing with several injury setbacks. Midfielders Mikel Merino and Fabian Ruiz both experienced physical issues during the closing stages of the club season, while Barcelona forward Fermin Lopez was ruled out of the tournament after suffering a broken leg.
The biggest concern, however, centered on Yamal, who sustained a hamstring injury in April. Barcelona opted not to play the 18-year-old in the remainder of the La Liga season, allowing him to focus on recovering in time for the World Cup.
Yamal’s return is viewed as a major lift for Spain as they pursue a second World Cup title after their historic triumph in South Africa in 2010. The Barcelona winger has emerged as one of Europe’s brightest young talents and is expected to play a central role in Spain’s attacking plans throughout the tournament.
Nico Williams also battled a hamstring injury in May, forcing the Athletic Bilbao winger to prioritize rehabilitation ahead of the World Cup. Meanwhile, Osasuna midfielder Victor Munoz was sidelined by a muscle injury sustained during the final weeks of the Spanish league campaign.
Despite the positive developments, De la Fuente is not expected to rush any of the recovering players back into full action. Spanish media reports suggest the coach is prepared to manage their minutes carefully rather than risk aggravating their injuries during the tournament opener.
Yamal, in particular, may not be asked to complete the full 90 minutes against Cape Verde, while Williams could also see his workload limited as Spain continue monitoring both players’ recovery.
The coaching staff are reportedly targeting full fitness for the pair by Spain’s second Group H match against Saudi Arabia on June 21, also in Atlanta.
Spain will conclude the group stage with what is expected to be their toughest test, facing Uruguay on June 26 in Guadalajara, Mexico. The South American side are widely regarded as La Roja’s main challengers for top spot in Group H.
With several influential players returning at the right time, Spain enter the tournament increasingly optimistic that they can mount another deep World Cup run after years of rebuilding under De la Fuente. The availability of Yamal and Williams could prove decisive as the European champions look to translate their recent success into another global title challenge.
