Football · Atlanta
Spain’s Lamine Yamal says he is not yet ready for a full 90 minutes ahead of Saudi Arabia clash
After returning from injury in Spain’s goalless draw with Cape Verde, 18-year-old winger Lamine Yamal confirmed he will again be limited to partial minutes against Saudi Arabia on Sunday, calling a full match ‘unnecessary’ while he completes an adaptation process.
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In brief
The 18-year-old said he is physically fine but not ready for a full match, calling 90 minutes ‘unnecessary’ at this stage of his recovery.
A goalless draw with Cape Verde leaves Spain needing a win against Saudi Arabia to stay on track for the knockout stage.
Nico Williams is set to start on the bench and Víctor Muñoz is out with a muscle setback, leaving only limited options on the flanks.
Midfielder Mikel Merino worked with the squad on Friday after an individual schedule, offering a boost to the midfield.
- 22 AprSuffers hamstring tear against Celta Vigo, initial prognosis predicts return for third group match (27 June)
- 15 JunPlays 22 minutes as a substitute in Spain’s 0-0 draw with Cape Verde in World Cup opener
- 21 JunExpected to feature for limited minutes against Saudi Arabia, not for the full 90 minutes
- 27 JunOriginally targeted return date for the group stage finale against Uruguay
Return from injury
Lamine Yamal made his first appearance in nearly two months when he came on in the 71st minute of Spain’s World Cup opener against Cape Verde, playing 22 minutes. The Barcelona forward had suffered a hamstring tear in his left leg on 22 April against Celta de Vigo, a layoff that threatened his participation in the tournament. Speaking to Spanish television, he acknowledged his initial fear of missing the World Cup, but said doctors assured him he would recover in time.
“I'm fine, I'm feeling good, but it's too soon, it's unnecessary; I'm still settling in - it's not the right time to play a full match yet - but I can play for as many minutes as the manager wants.”
Spain’s situation
Spain’s campaign began with a disappointing 0-0 draw against Cape Verde, drawing criticism from fans and media. Yamal urged calm, noting that many top teams have drawn their opening matches and that a single result does not define a side’s quality. The European champions now face Saudi Arabia on Sunday in Atlanta needing a victory to avoid entering the final group match against Uruguay under extreme pressure.
Other injury concerns
Nico Williams, another key winger, is ruled out of the starting lineup against Saudi Arabia but hopes to be available for the Uruguay game. Víctor Muñoz suffered a muscular setback and will also miss the match. Midfielder Mikel Merino, who had been sidelined with a muscle injury for 115 days earlier this year, trained with the group on Friday, a positive signal for coach Luis de la Fuente.
Manager’s gamble
De la Fuente has defended his decision to select players carrying injuries, invoking the precedent of Dani Olmo at a previous tournament. Olmo arrived with a calf problem, was risked, recovered, and ended as top scorer while also clearing a goal off the line.
“Olmo arrived with a soleus problem, could have stayed home and we decided to take the risk. He recovered, was top scorer and even saved a goal.”
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Sources and context
- Lamine Yamal
- Barcelona and Spain winger, returning from a hamstring injury for the 2026 World Cup
- Luis de la Fuente
- Head coach of the Spain national team at the 2026 World Cup
- Nico Williams
- Athletic Club and Spain forward, recovering from injury during the World Cup
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