Alarm in Spain for Yamal

football

Express newspaper

19/05/2026 9:19

The World Cup is approaching, and concerns have increased in Spain over the physical condition of Lamine Yamal. Spanish national team officials have received bad news about the Barcelona star's participation at the start of the tournament.

According to The Athletic, the current thigh injury will leave Yamal out of Spain's first World Cup match, against Cape Verde, on June 15.

But his absence may not be limited to the opening match. According to the same report, the 18-year-old is also a doubt for the second group match, against Saudi Arabia, on June 21.

Yamal suffered a thigh muscle tear while taking a penalty in Barcelona's 1-0 win over Celta Vigo in late April. The injury kept him out of the Catalan club's final games of the season.

The Spanish Football Federation, Barcelona and the player himself are in constant contact regarding the progress of his recovery. According to reports, members of the national team's medical staff are regularly travelling to Barcelona to closely monitor the young striker's rehabilitation.

Spain hopes to have Yamal ready for the final group stage match against Uruguay on June 26. His absence even in the knockout stage would be a major blow to "La Roja"'s ambitions at the World Cup taking place in the USA, Mexico and Canada.

When he is at his best, Yamal is seen as one of the main weapons for Spain, who are considered among the favourites to win the World Cup. He also played a key role in the success of the European Championship two years ago, when Spain defeated England in the final, despite being just 16 for most of the tournament.

Yamal has so far made 25 appearances and scored six goals for the Spanish national team. However, injuries have been a constant concern, as he missed four of Spain's six qualifying matches. /GazetaExpress/

Spain's upcoming match schedule: