Atlanta, June 15: Spain’s coach, Luis de la Fuente, has announced that star player Lamin Yamal is recovering rapidly. However, he will not be included in the starting lineup for the team’s opening match against Cape Verde in the FIFA World Cup 2026 on Monday.
Lamin Yamal has been sidelined since April due to an injury sustained while taking a penalty in a La Liga match against Celta Vigo. Since then, he has been away from the pitch but is now gradually returning to fitness. According to Xinhua, de la Fuente stated in a press conference, “He is in good condition as we expected, and he has recovered on time. All injured players have healed well and are fit to play, but Lamin, Victor (Munoz), and Nico (Williams) will not start the match; their playing time will depend on how the game unfolds.”
Spain is considered a strong contender for the FIFA World Cup 2026 title. Coach Luis de la Fuente expressed confidence in his team’s strength. However, he also warned players to remain vigilant and avoid any form of complacency. He remarked, “This means that our previous performances have been recognized by outsiders, and they see us as one of the title contenders. Nevertheless, there are many favorite teams in the tournament, and only one can emerge as the champion. It is not always the favorite team that wins the final, as underdog teams can sometimes deliver surprising performances.”
He further emphasized, “We must start our campaign strongly, and an early victory will lay a solid foundation for our upcoming matches. In international tournaments, adapting to the circumstances at the start is crucial, and there is little room for error. This is why the first match is strategically and mentally vital.”
De la Fuente dismissed concerns about any negative impact on the team from left-back Marc Cucurella’s potential transfer from Chelsea to Real Madrid. He stated, “All players are happy with each other’s good performances; no one will harm the team. Marc is a reliable player, and I have always had high expectations of him. He has been working with me since he was 17. I know he can manage his emotions well and handle pressure on the field. In my opinion, he is one of the best full-backs in the world.”
Leave a Comment