Spain faces a new World Cup injury worry as key star Lamine Yamal is expected to miss the opening match.
There are some worries about a Spanish star playing in the FIFA World Cup after it was confirmed that Lamine Yamal will miss at least the first game and might not be ready for the second group match either.
Yamal, Spain’s key player, hurt his hamstring after scoring a penalty for Barcelona against Celta Vigo in April. This injury kept him out for the rest of the season. Many have wondered if he would be fit enough to play for Spain in the upcoming World Cup.
On May 18, The Athletic shared an update saying the young player will miss Spain’s opening game against Cape Verde on June 15. It’s also unclear if he can play in the second match against Saudi Arabia on June 21. Spain will also face Uruguay on June 27.
Even with these injury doubts, Yamal was included in coach Luis de la Fuente’s 55-man provisional squad. This will be cut down to 26 players by May 25.
Meanwhile, there’s also concern about Yamal’s Barcelona teammate Fermín López. The 23-year-old attacking midfielder broke a bone in his foot during Barça’s recent 3-1 win over Real Betis. Barcelona confirmed he will need surgery and might miss the World Cup completely.
Fermín has had a great season, scoring 13 goals and helping with 17 assists in 48 games. He would have been an important player for Spain. His injury might give Villarreal’s Alberto Moleiro a better chance to make the squad. Also, former West Ham’s Pablo Fornals and Crystal Palace’s Yeremy Pino could be hoping to earn a spot.
Spain are one of the favorites to win the tournament. They recently won the European Championship by beating England in 2024. Yamal is expected to be a key player for Spain once he recovers.
Spain have strong goalkeepers like David Raya, Unai Simón, Joan García, and Álex Remiro. Defenders Pedro Porro, Marc Cucurella, Marcos Llorente, Robin Le Normand, and Pau Cubarsí are likely to go to North America. Sergio Gómez may also be chosen over Alejandro Balde for full-back.
In midfield, Rodri, Dani Olmo, Martín Zubimendi, Carlos Soler, Pedri, and Gavi will hope to make the final team. Forwards like Yamal, Nico Williams, Mikel Oyarzabal, Borja Iglesias, and Ferran Torres are expected to play in the tournament as well.