Spain and its national team manager Luis de la Fuente have made a decision on how to handle Lamine Yamal’s World Cup debut according to SPORT, which cited anonymous sources.
Lamine was ruled out for the rest of FC Barcelona’s double-winning season after coming off at half time during a 1-0 win over Celta Vigo back in April.
He hasn’t kicked a competitive ball since, and his progress through Spain’s World Cup squad camp has been one of the hottest stories in a football mad country over the last couple of months.
De la Fuente has spoken on the topic numerous times, and as recently as an interview with The Guardian published at the weekend.
“He’s recovering quickly, meeting all his objectives ahead of schedule. I think he’ll be able to play in the first match, but that doesn’t mean he will. We’ll assess whether he needs to play a little, not play at all, or wait until the second match,” De La Fuente stated.
Now, according to SPORT, De La Fuente has decided that Lamine will make his debut in Spain’s opener against Cape Verde on Monday.
He’ll not start, however, and instead be given 15 to 20 minutes in a fixture against opposition that has never featured in the FIFA showpiece before.
Lamine’s playing time will increase against Saudi Arabia on June 21. All being well, he’ll then be fit enough to perhaps start what is on paper the most difficult Group H clash for the European champions against Ronald Araujo’s Uruguay on June 26 in Guadalajara.
FC Barcelona will be concerned by the news regarding Lamine Yamal
SPORT already reported how Barca are concerned by De La Fuente’s comments to the English newspaper, despite the fact Lamine hasn’t been training at 100% intensity.
Furthermore, he wasn’t ready to play any of Spain’s two warm-up friendlies ahead of Cabo Verde, against Iraq and Peru.
There’s an increased risk of a relapse with knocks of Lamine’s nature, and his return must be handled carefully.
It’s unrealistic to expect Spain – one of the favorites – to not want to field its star player in Lamine Yamal. But the start of FC Barcelona’s 2026/2027 campaign also can’t be compromised, as Flick’s men aim for a “threepeat” of La Liga titles and bringing the Champions League home.