Injured Lamine Yamal In Spain World Cup Squad, No Real Madrid Players

Spain have named injured teenage star Lamine Yamal in their 26-man squad for the FIFA World Cup, despite concerns over the Barcelona forward’s fitness.

The 18-year-old has not played since suffering a torn left hamstring during Barcelona’s clash on 22 April, but Spain coach Luis de la Fuente remains confident the youngster will recover in time for the tournament.

“We’re very relaxed. Barring any setbacks, we’ll have everyone available from the very first match,” De la Fuente said after unveiling his squad.

Spain’s squad also includes Athletic Bilbao winger Nico Williams, who has also been battling a hamstring issue in recent weeks.

In a major talking point, no Real Madrid player made the final squad for the first time in Spain’s history at the World Cup. Defenders Dean Huijsen and Dani Carvajal were both omitted.

Arsenal midfielder Mikel Merino returned from a four-month injury lay-off in the club’s final Premier League game of the season and has earned a place in the squad.

He joins fellow Premier League-based stars David Raya, Martin Zubimendi, Pedro Porro, Marc Cucurella, Rodri and Yeremy Pino in the squad.

Uncapped defenders Eric Garcia and Marc Pubill were rewarded for their impressive performances with Barcelona and Atletico Madrid respectively.

“Excitement is the key word. Passion,” De la Fuente added.

“The reaction of people all over Spain – adults and children alike, is that they are fully behind the national team.”

Barcelona midfielder Fermin Lopez misses the tournament after being ruled out with a broken foot.

Spain will begin their World Cup campaign against debutants Cape Verde on 15 June before facing Saudi Arabia and Uruguay in Group H.

Spain World Cup Squad

Goalkeepers:
Unai Simon (Athletic Bilbao), David Raya (Arsenal), Joan Garcia (Barcelona).

Defenders:
Marcos Llorente (Atletico Madrid), Marc Pubill (Atletico Madrid), Pedro Porro (Tottenham), Aymeric Laporte (Athletic Bilbao), Eric Garcia (Barcelona), Pau Cubarsi (Barcelona), Marc Cucurella (Chelsea), Alejandro Grimaldo (Bayer Leverkusen).

Midfielders:
Rodri (Manchester City), Martin Zubimendi (Arsenal), Mikel Merino (Arsenal), Pedri (Barcelona), Gavi (Barcelona), Fabian Ruiz (Paris St-Germain), Alex Baena (Atletico Madrid).

Forwards:
Yeremy Pino (Crystal Palace), Victor Munoz (Osasuna), Mikel Oyarzabal (Real Sociedad), Ferran Torres (Barcelona), Lamine Yamal (Barcelona), Dani Olmo (Barcelona), Nico Williams (Athletic Bilbao), Borja Iglesias (Celta Vigo).

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