Spain have been handed a fresh injury concern ahead of Sunday’s FIFA World Cup 2026 final after teenage sensation Lamine Yamal skipped Thursday’s group training session.
The Barcelona winger, who played
a key role in Spain’s 2-0 semi-final victory over France, did not train with the rest of Luis de la Fuente’s squad. Instead, the 19-year-old completed an individual recovery session away from the main group.
🚨 ¡ALERTA LAMINE! ¡NO ENTRENA y TIENE UN VENDAJE en el MUSLO IZQUIERDO!
📹 @guillecasquero #NuestroMejorMundial pic.twitter.com/AbaKX1MW83
— Diario AS (@diarioas) July 16, 2026
The development has naturally raised concerns just three days before Spain’s blockbuster final against Lionel Messi’s Argentina at MetLife Stadium.
Why Did Lamine Miss Training?
Questions over Yamal’s fitness first emerged after Tuesday’s win over France.
The youngster appeared to be struggling physically during the closing stages of the match after a collision with Kylian Mbappe and was later spotted limping noticeably as he left the pitch.
Although he completed the full 90 minutes and did not require medical treatment during the game, images of Yamal walking with a heavy limp immediately sparked speculation over his availability for the blockbuster final.
Thursday’s training session only added to those concerns, with the winger seen working individually while his thigh was heavily strapped.
The timing is particularly significant given that Yamal entered the tournament carrying a hamstring issue that forced him to miss the final stretch of Barcelona’s 2025-26 season.
Spain Remain Optimistic
Despite the scare, there is growing confidence inside the Spain camp that Yamal will be fit to start against Argentina.
The decision to keep him away from full training is understood to be a precaution rather than a sign of a serious setback, with De la Fuente’s staff unwilling to take any unnecessary risks before the biggest game of the tournament.
Spain will be desperate to have their teenage star available as they chase a second World Cup title, 16 years after lifting the trophy in South Africa.
