Yamal, Williams To Return For Spain’s World Cup Opening Game

Spain coach Luis de la Fuente has confirmed that Barcelona teenage star Lamine Yamal and Athletic Bilbao winger Nico Williams are expected to be available for the country’s opening match at the World Cup.

Spain will begin their campaign against debutants Cape Verde on June 15, with De la Fuente saying the two wingers are progressing well from hamstring injuries.

Yamal and Williams both missed the closing stages of the club season due to injury, raising concerns over their readiness for the tournament.

However, De la Fuente said on Sunday that the pair, alongside Osasuna winger Victor Munoz, should be fit for Spain’s first game in Atlanta.

The three players did not travel with the rest of the squad to Mexico for Monday’s friendly against Peru.

Instead, they remained at Spain’s training camp in the United States to continue their recovery under the supervision of the team’s medical and fitness staff.

“We regret that they are not here with us, but the medical and physical conditioning staff advised them to stay there,” De la Fuente said.

“All three should be available for the next match… they are progressing well in their recovery and are doing very well.”

Naija News reports that the expected return of Yamal and Williams will come as a major boost for Spain, who will enter the tournament as one of the favourites.

Yamal, 18, is regarded as one of the brightest young talents in world football and is expected to play a key role for the European champions.

Williams, who has also been an important attacking option for Spain, will add pace and width to De la Fuente’s squad as they begin their campaign.

Their recovery will give the coach more options in attack as Spain prepares to face Cape Verde in their opening fixture.

After their match against Cape Verde, Spain will remain in Atlanta to face Saudi Arabia in their second group game.

They will then travel to Guadalajara for their final group-stage match against Uruguay.

De la Fuente will be hoping to have a fully fit squad as Spain begins their push for another major international title.