Yamal Fitness Confidence Grows As Spain Eye World Cup Readiness Under De La Fuente

Spain head coach Luis de la Fuente has named a World Cup squad without any Real Madrid players for the first time, while stressing that Lamine Yamal will not be rushed back from a hamstring injury but is still expected to feature by Spain's second group match at the latest.

Spain, crowned European champions in 2024, enter this World Cup as leading contenders. The Opta supercomputer gives Spain a 16% chance of lifting the trophy, ahead of France on 13%, England on 11% and Argentina on 10%, as the team targets another historic double of Euros and World Cup titles.

This will be Spain's 17th World Cup appearance, yet the squad breaks new ground, as no Real Madrid player is included. Defender Dean Huijsen misses out despite an impressive debut season, while experienced right-back Dani Carvajal is also absent, reflecting De la Fuente's strict focus on current suitability for the national team.

"Fortunately, I don't look at where each player comes from, De la Fuente noted. I only look at whether the player can play with us. They are national team players, not players from individual clubs. I don't think I have any further interest in that. I can't give advice to anyone. I just want the players to be proud to represent our country. I don't know if there are eight or how many from Barca. They're national team players, I don't care where they play."

Attention now centres on Lamine Yamal, who has not played since April because of a hamstring problem. Medical assessments suggest Yamal should regain full fitness in time to contribute early in the tournament, with De la Fuente indicating that availability for either the opening or second group game remains the realistic timeline.

"We won't rush anything, De la Fuente said when asked if Yamal would be available on Monday, having announced his squad earlier in the day. The dates and the reports we have indicate that everyone will be available for either the first or second match. We won't take any risks, but if players want to take risks, it's at a World Cup. We'll take some risks if necessary. We have to win every match. If they don't play, it's because I don't think they should play."

Yamal's importance is underlined by this season's statistics across all competitions. Among LaLiga players, only Kylian Mbappe has more direct goal contributions. Yamal has delivered 24 goals and 17 assists, totalling 41 goal involvements, while also creating 118 chances, a figure bettered in that group only by Arda Guler with 119.

In creative metrics within that same LaLiga-based pool, Yamal shares top spot for assists with Fermin Lopez, who will miss the World Cup through injury. These numbers help explain why De la Fuente is prepared to manage some level of risk, while still insisting that medical guidelines and team priorities will ultimately decide involvement.

Spain World Cup favourites, tactics and Gavi absence

Spain aim to become the fourth nation to hold both the European Championship and World Cup at the same time, and the first side to repeat this achievement since Spain did so between 2008 and 2012. De la Fuente, however, has repeatedly tried to cool expectations despite the favourable Opta projections.

"We're among the favourites, but that doesn't guarantee anything. There are teams at the same level, he added. France, England, Brazil... they're just as much contenders as we are. In football, you can lose even when you're better than your opponent. We'll fight for everything. [Spain need] quality, humanity, and competitiveness. In those areas, we are a very strong team. There are other strengths and areas for improvement. We have a great foundation."

De la Fuente also reflected on the absence of Gavi, who suffered a serious injury before Euro 2024. The coach again highlighted how central Gavi had been to Spain's tactical structure, describing the midfielder's influence in possession, work rate without the ball and ability to adapt to various roles in the team.

"I was really upset about Gavi's injury [for Euro 2024]. He's the team's playmaker, and I don't need to tell you anything about his footballing ability. He's very versatile. He's one of the best players in the world."

Spain open their World Cup campaign against Cape Verde in Group H on June 15, with the rest of the group stage to follow quickly. De la Fuente's side will rely on a balanced blend of experience and youth, structured pressing, and high technical levels, while hoping key figures such as Yamal return to fitness on schedule.