Yamal not yet ready for 90 minutes for Spain at the World Cup

Spanish football star Lamine Yamal has indicated that he is not yet ready to play a full 90 minutes for his country at the World Cup. The 18-year-old FC Barcelona player, who suffered a hamstring injury in April, stated that while he can participate for the duration determined by the coach, a complete match is currently beyond his physical capacity.

"It is very early, it is unnecessary," Yamal told Spanish television station RTVE. "It is not the time to play a whole match, but I can play the minutes the coach wants," he added. These remarks suggest a cautious approach to his return following the injury, prioritizing his long-term fitness and availability throughout the tournament.

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

Yamal was brought on as a substitute after 71 minutes in Spain's opening World Cup game against Cape Verde. The match concluded in a surprising 0-0 draw against the World Cup debutants. Spain is now set to face Saudi Arabia on Sunday in their next match, aiming to secure a victory.

His teammate at Barcelona, Pau Cubarsí, remains confident in Yamal's ability to influence the tournament. "We already know Lamine's qualities," Cubarsí commented. "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, considered one of the tournament favorites before the competition, has not progressed beyond the round of 16 since their historic triumph in 2010. Both Yamal and Nico Williams, who is also dealing with an injury, were key players when Spain won the European Championship in 2024.

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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 just as well.