Lamine Yamal (foto: Getty Images)
Spain is worried ahead of the World Cup after Barcelona star Lamine Yamal suffered a hamstring injury that could rule him out of the opening matches.
Spain are facing growing concern ahead of the 2026 World Cup after reports confirmed that Lamine Yamal is expected to miss the start of the tournament.
The young Barcelona star already missed the final part of the club season because of a hamstring injury, and current expectations suggest he will not be fully ready for Spain’s opening group matches.
According to reports from Spain, Yamal will almost certainly miss the first group-stage match and could also remain unavailable for the second game.
The injury represents a major problem for coach Luis de la Fuente, who planned to build much of Spain’s attack around the 18-year-old sensation.
Spain will open the tournament against Cape Verde, followed by matches against Saudi Arabia and Uruguay.
The Spanish coaching staff are now hoping the squad will collect enough points in the first two matches to allow Yamal additional recovery time.
The target is for the Barcelona winger to return for the crucial clash against Uruguay.
Spain are being especially careful because of fears that Yamal could aggravate the hamstring problem if he returns too early.
The teenager missed Barcelona’s final five league matches after suffering the injury during the closing stage of the season.
Before the setback, Yamal enjoyed another outstanding campaign with the Spanish champions.
He finished the season with:
• 16 goals
• 12 assists
• 28 league appearances
The situation became even worse for Spain after it was confirmed earlier today that Barcelona midfielder Fermin Lopez will also miss the World Cup because of injury.
Spain now face the possibility of beginning the tournament without two of Barcelona’s most exciting attacking players.