Spain boss Luis de la Fuente has dropped a few hints about his team selection plans for World Cup 2026 following Lamine Yamal’s injury setback.
The Barcelona star has been ruled out of the rest of the domestic campaign with a hamstring injury but is expected to be fit for the World Cup.
Recent reports have suggested Spain could use Yamal carefully in the group stages as he returns from injury and that he may not start until the knockout round.
De la Fuente has been talking about the competition today
at an event and had the following to say when asked about Yamal.
“In a call we contemplate all the scenarios. If you are winning, if you are losing, if the opponent is left with ten… There are players who can give you 20 minutes and that also has enormous value,” he said, per Sport.
“Olmo arrived injured, we were about to rule him out, but then he was decisive in the European Championship.
“There are players who may not be able to give you 50 or 60 minutes, but they can give you 20 very good ones. And that can be differential. There are players who can arrive just right and be decisive in the knockout rounds.
“Our priority is to arrive with the best possible team at the decisive moment.”
Óscar Celada, Spain’s national team doctor, also said that players will be monitored carefully – particularly those returning from injury.
“It is one thing to recover and another to recover the maximum performance. The biggest risk when a player comes back is to have another injury,” he added.
“The pace is so high, with games every three or four days, that it’s impossible not to have breaks.”
“We maintain constant communication with the clubs. It is not just a one-off report, but to see how the player evolves day by day. With that information, decisions are made.”
Spain’s first World Cup fixture is scheduled for June 15th against Cape Verde.
