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Spain superstar Lamine Yamal has revealed it is still “too early” for him to play the full 90 minutes of a match.
Yamal was only risked in the last 20 minutes of Spain’s disappointing goalless draw with Cabo Verde – and that was his first appearance of any kind since April. Luis de la Fuente has been criticized for his handling of the teenage phenom in the past – much to the obvious chagrin of Barcelona boss Hansi Flick – but is taking a cautious approach at this stage of the tournament. Yamal is also on board.
“It’s too early; it’s not necessary,” the global sensation told RTVE. “I’m going through an adjustment process. It’s not time to play a full game, although I can certainly play whatever minutes the coach wants.”
Spain face Saudi Arabia in Atlanta on Sunday. Both teams may be level on a point apiece after a pair of draws to open the tournament, but the reigning European champions remain favorites against a team that sits 56 places lower in the FIFA world rankings.
“We’re in no rush,” insisted Yamal, “We have a fantastic team with top players and we have to take it easy.”
When will Lamine Yamal be in top form?
Lamine Yamal stopped in April. | Europe Press Sports/Getty Images
When Yamal pulled up his hamstring after converting a penalty for Barcelona two months ago, his first thought turned to this summer’s tournament.
“For any player in the latter part of the season, whenever there’s an injury, you think about the World Cup – and obviously your club team – but the World Cup is always on your mind,” he explained. “Thank God the doctors told me I would have plenty of time to recover, so here I am – happy.”
Yamal is believed to have fully recovered from his hamstring problem, but the risk of re-injury is always prevalent so soon after such a setback. Barring any other complications during practice, De la Fuente should gradually increase Yamal’s minutes throughout the group stage, preparing him for the knockout rounds.
How can Spain win without Yamal
Víctor Muñoz will represent Spain this summer after a breakout campaign. | Ernest Kolodziej/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images
As impressive as Cabo Verde’s timeless goalkeeper (slash volleyball coach) Vozinha was, Spain didn’t create enough chances. Most worryingly, it was an all-too-familiar problem for La Roja, who endlessly cycled possession in front of a stubborn opponent.
Without Yamal or fellow direct winger Nico Williams available, De la Fuente fell into the trap of calling on another central midfielder, Gavi, to line up wide on this occasion. Ferran Torres was no easy match on the right either, almost entirely robbing Spain of any width until Yamal came off the bench.
Against Cabo Verde, De la Fuente was curiously reluctant to use Liverpool-bound Victor Muñoz, the 22-year-old who is the only other natural winger in Spain’s ranks. Only three players in La Liga attempted more than 200 dribbles in the 2025-2026 season: Yamal, Vinicius Junior and Muñoz. With no option to turn to the Brazilian from Real Madrid, De la Fuente has an attractive option to turn to.
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