Spain’s head coach, Luis de la Fuente, has confirmed that Barcelona’s young winger Lamine Yamal is fit to play in the upcoming UEFA Nations League match against England, scheduled for next Sunday at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano stadium.
Yamal had been dealing with a slight inflammation stemming from Barcelona’s Champions League game on October 3rd. The coaching staff opted to give him extra rest to prioritize his recovery rather than rushing him back for national team duties. De la Fuente explained that while Yamal was ready to play and would have been used in an emergency, it was deemed unnecessary to take any risks with his condition.
The coach stressed that player well-being is paramount, stating that all players receive equal treatment regarding injuries and that avoiding aggravation is the top priority. He acknowledged that players often wish to play through minor issues, but the coaching staff must make responsible decisions.
Yamal’s arrival at the national team camp in Las Rozas was delayed to allow for his recovery. De la Fuente anticipates Yamal will join the squad by Thursday evening or Friday morning, giving him time for two training sessions before the England game.
In addition to Yamal, De la Fuente provided an update on Mikel Oyarzabal, who is recovering from the flu and awaiting the birth of his second child. His availability depends on the timing of the delivery.
Spain held a closed training session on Tuesday without Yamal and Oyarzabal. Liverpool winger Victor Muñoz joined the squad to cover their absence, and Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya also joined after attending to personal matters in London.
With Yamal fit, Spain is expected to field a strong team for the crucial UEFA Nations League group stage finale against England. The team’s careful management of player injuries underscores De la Fuente’s commitment to both player health and competitive success.
