Young Spanish talents Lamine Yamal (18) and Nico Williams (23) are set to be fit in time for the start of the World Cup.
As confirmed by national coach Luis de la Fuente, both wing forwards will be available for the opening match on June 16th against Cape Verde. Víctor Muñoz of CA Osasuna is also expected to be able to play in Atlanta.
Barca star Yamal and Bilbao attacker Williams are currently experiencing thigh problems and therefore did not travel to Puebla, Mexico, where Spain will play their final friendly match against Peru on Monday. «It’s a shame they are not with us, but the medical department and the athletic trainers recommended we leave them at the team camp in the USA,» said de la Fuente. Looking ahead to the tournament, the coach clarified, «All three will be available for the next game.»
Yamal, in particular, who was sidelined with an injury at FC Barcelona at the end of April, is considered a key player in Spain’s offensive game. He and Williams provided crucial momentum in the 2024 European Championship triumph. Without Yamal, Spain recently only managed a 1-1 draw against Iraq in a friendly.
Besides Cape Verde, the European champions will face Saudi Arabia and Uruguay in the group stage.