Yamal (hamstring) is on track to be available for Spain's World Cup opener against Cape Verde on June 15 but will not travel to Puebla for the final pre-tournament friendly against Peru, remaining at the squad's base in Chattanooga for continued specific rehabilitation work, according coach Luis de la Fuente, per Miguel Angel Lara of Marca. "Lamine, Nico and Victor are meeting their recovery deadlines, they are doing very well. If they continue this evolution they will be available for the next match, so I think it is great news."
Analysis:
Yamal has been in the final stages of his hamstring recovery and trained on Saturday, with Spain's medical staff approving his potential involvement in the opener under strict caution. Coach De la Fuente will manage his minutes carefully against Cape Verde to protect him from any risk of a relapse, with the young star widely considered Spain's most important attacking weapon and a genuine contender for player of the tournament if fully fit throughout the competition.
