Spain trio including Lamine Yamal expected to be fit for June 15 World Cup opener

Spain’s Lamine Yamal, Nico Williams, and Victor Munoz are expected to be fit for their World Cup opener against Cape Verde on June 15, coach Luis de la Fuente confirmed on June 7. All three players have been undergoing rehabilitation in Tennessee after recent injuries sustained ahead of the tournament.

Spain coach Luis de la Fuente confirmed on June 7 that the Spain trio including Lamine Yamal, Nico Williams, and Victor Munoz remain on course to be available for their World Cup opener against Cape Verde on June 15. All three players have been undergoing rehabilitation following recent injuries.

Lamine Yamal, 18, has been managing groin issues and a hamstring injury sustained in April. Williams and Munoz are also recovering from their respective injuries. The Spain trio including Lamine Yamal stayed at the training base in Chattanooga, Tennessee, to continue rehab rather than join the squad for the final warm-up match against Peru on June 8.

De la Fuente said it is expected that “if there are no setbacks in the coming days,” all three will be ready for the match on June 15. Although cautious about whether they will start, he noted the players are within the expected timelines to arrive in good condition for the opener and could be available for selection at some point.

Before traveling to Atlanta for the tournament’s first game, Spain faced Peru in Puebla. De la Fuente emphasized the significance of the match, stating it was not being treated simply as a preparation game.

Following their Euro 2024 victory, Spain arrive at the World Cup as one of the top contenders. A Goldman Sachs model projects Spain as the favorite with a 26% chance of winning. Forward Yeremy Pino acknowledged the expectations, saying the “favorites tag is normal” and that pressure should motivate the team to improve their performance rather than hinder it.