Yamal not – Lamine Yamal said he isn’t 100 per cent fit and is unlikely to start Spain’s World Cup match against Saudi Arabia on Sunday in Atlanta, after managing a left hamstring injury that limited him in Spain’s 0-0 draw with Cape Verde.
Lamine Yamal knows exactly what the training staff are going to want from him. He just isn’t ready to give it yet.
The 18-year-old. nursing a left hamstring injury that carried into the World Cup. said he is not feeling fully fit and is unlikely to start Spain’s second match against Saudi Arabia on Sunday. Spain’s opener on Monday ended in a disappointing 0-0 draw against Cape Verde. and Yamal came on as a substitute in the 71st minute.
“I’m fine, I feel good, but it’s still too soon,” Yamal told Spanish network RTVE. “It’s unnecessary (to take risks). I’m going through an adaptation process, it’s not the time to play a full match yet. But I can play as many minutes as the coach wants.”
The decision matters not just for the immediate game, but for what comes next. After facing Saudi Arabia on Sunday in Atlanta. Spain travel to Guadalajara for a match against Uruguay that looms as the highlight fixture of Group H. If the tournament gets tight in the group, having Yamal fully operational could become crucial for La Roja.
Yamal’s comments also pointed to a clear hierarchy in the recovery room. He said teammate Nico Williams, who also arrived with an injury, is ahead of him in the recovery process.
“Physically he’s even better than me,” Yamal said. “We’re not in a rush. We have a great team with top-level players and we have to go step by step.”
Even with the risk-management message coming through, his influence has remained undeniable. Yamal arrived at the World Cup as one of the tournament’s biggest stars despite his young age. already thriving with Barcelona and Spain. He helped La Roja win the European Championship in 2024 and led Barcelona to the Spanish league title this past season.
In the United States, his popularity has been visible in a way that goes beyond football talk. An advertisement featuring his image towers over Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, the venue where Spain kicked off their campaign.
“I’m taking it naturally, it’s something I’m used to,” Yamal said about his popularity. “I know what I represent both outside of Spain and in Spain. I try to always give my best, that’s what the fans want. If you have your image on that building. it’s because you can do things on the field that people like. things that excite them when they see you play.”.
For now, though, the message is clear: Yamal may be available for minutes, but Spain are likely to manage the timing carefully—because in this tournament, a half-fit start can cost more than it gives.
Lamine Yamal Spain Saudi Arabia World Cup Cape Verde hamstring injury Nico Williams Atlanta Guadalajara Uruguay Group H