The young player has been sidelined since last April due to a hamstring injury, but coach Luis de la Fuente confirmed before the match that he is ready to play.
Cadena Ser says Spain “gambled with Yamal” against Cape Verde, and that “caution is necessary” because the risk of relapse is still high.
“There was no spreadsheet, but there was a recommendation that he play as little as possible,” says Anton Miana. “He had to play more than he should, which is why there were constant discussions between the medical staff and De La Fuente. Not because Lamine Yamal is in pain, but because he might relapse.”
Spain now face Saudi Arabia in a match that De La Fuente will be desperate to win after such a disappointing start to the competition. The Spain coach insisted Yamal is in “excellent condition” but we will have to wait and see whether he will sit on the bench again or return to the starting lineup.
