Spain's Yamal not ready for 90 minutes at World Cup

Spanish football sensation Lamine Yamal has stated he is not yet prepared to play a full 90 minutes for his country at the World Cup. The 18-year-old FC Barcelona prodigy, who suffered a hamstring injury in April, indicated that while he can contribute for the duration of the coach's choosing, a complete match is currently beyond his physical readiness.

"It's very early, it's unnecessary," Yamal told Spanish broadcaster RTVE regarding the prospect of playing a full game. "It's not the time to play a whole match, but I can play the minutes the coach wants." His comments highlight a cautious approach to his return following the injury, prioritizing his long-term fitness and availability for the tournament.

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It's very early, it's unnecessary. It's not the time to play a whole match, but I can play the minutes the coach wants.

Yamal was substituted into Spain's opening World Cup match against Cape Verde in the 71st minute. The game ended in a surprising 0-0 draw against the tournament debutants, a result that puts pressure on the Spanish team. Their next match is against Saudi Arabia on Sunday, where they will aim to secure their first victory.

Despite his limited minutes on the field, Yamal's presence is considered crucial by his teammates. Pau Cubarsí, a fellow Barcelona player, expressed confidence in Yamal's ability to make a difference. "We already know Lamine's qualities," Cubarsí said. "Whether he comes on the pitch or not, he will help us as much as possible – but I think whoever plays instead of him will do just as well." Spain, once considered favorites, faces a challenging path after their disappointing opening draw, having not advanced past the round of 16 since their 2010 triumph.

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We already know Lamine's qualities. Whether he comes on the pitch or not, he will help us as much as possible – but I think whoever plays instead of him, will do it just as well.