Yamal Not Yet Ready for Full Match as Spain Seek Crucial Win Agai

With a must-win clash against Saudi Arabia looming, Spain have little room for error. However, the Spanish side will once again be without Yamal from the start, as the Barcelona winger has admitted he is not yet fit enough to play a full match.

Speaking to Spanish broadcaster RTVE on Friday, Yamal said he has no intention of rushing his recovery.

“The time has not yet come for me to play a full match. But I am ready to stay on the pitch for as long as the coach wants,” he said.

Earlier, De la Fuente revealed that Yamal is currently fit enough to play around 60 minutes against Saudi Arabia in Sunday’s match in Atlanta.

The young star came off the bench in the 71st minute against Cape Verde but was unable to inspire the breakthrough Spain were looking for. Nevertheless, his Spain and Barcelona teammate Pau Cubarsí remains confident that Yamal will make an impact when it matters most.

“We all know what Lamine is capable of. Whether he plays the full match or not, he will help us in every possible way. And if someone else plays in his position, they will also give their best performance,” Cubarsí said.

Victory against Saudi Arabia in their second Group-stage match is particularly important for the 2010 world champions. Remarkably, since lifting the World Cup in South Africa, Spain have managed to win only three matches across the following three editions of the tournament.

Having entered this World Cup as one of the pre-tournament favourites, Spain will be determined to improve that record and strengthen their hopes of advancing to the knockout stage.

MMR