Spain rocked by fresh World Cup injury worry involving key star as Lamine Yamal set to miss opener

Concerns have been raised over a Spanish star’s participation in the FIFA World Cup after it was confirmed that Lamine Yamal will miss at least the tournament opener and could also be unavailable for the second group-stage match.

Spain’s star man, Yamal, injured his hamstring after scoring a penalty for Barcelona against Celta Vigo in April, ruling him out for the remainder of the domestic campaign.

As expected, many questioned whether he would be fit enough to feature for the Spanish national team at the upcoming World Cup.

On May 18, The Athletic issued an update on the player’s fitness, claiming the teenager will miss Spain’s World Cup opener against Cape Verde on June 15, while his participation in the second group-stage match against Saudi Arabia on June 21 also remains in doubt. The 2010 World Cup winners will also face Uruguay on June 27.

Despite the injury concerns, Yamal was reportedly included in Luis de la Fuente’s provisional 55-man squad for the tournament, with the list set to be cut to 26 players by May 25.

Meanwhile, fresh concerns have also been raised about Yamal’s Barcelona team-mate Fermín López after the 23-year-old attacking midfielder suffered a metatarsal fracture during Barça’s 3-1 win over Real Betis at the weekend.

READ MORE: Thierry Henry picks player who will surprise everyone at World Cup

Barça released a statement confirming that the player will undergo surgery on his right foot, with several reports suggesting he is likely to miss out on the World Cup entirely.

Fermín has registered 13 goals and 17 assists in 48 appearances for the La Liga champions this term and would likely have been a key player in Spain’s World Cup squad.

The Barça man’s absence could boost Villarreal’s Alberto Moleiro’s chances of making the squad, while former West Ham midfielder Pablo Fornals and potentially even Crystal Palace’s Yeremy Pino may also fancy their chances of earning a spot in De la Fuente’s final selection.

Spain are among the favourites to win the tournament and enter it as reigning European champions, having defeated England in the Euros final back in 2024.

Who will be in Spain’s 26-man World Cup squad?

Yamal, as expected, will likely be one of the first names on De la Fuente’s team sheet.

Spain have an array of options between the sticks, with David Raya, Unai Simón, Joan García and Álex Remiro all top-quality operators.

Defenders Pedro Porro, Marc Cucurella, Marcos Llorente, Robin Le Normand and Pau Cubarsí are expected to make the trip to North America. Sergio Gómez is also reportedly ahead of Alejandro Balde in the full-back pecking order.

In midfield, Rodri, Dani Olmo, Martín Zubimendi, Carlos Soler, Pedri and Gavi will also fancy their chances of securing a spot in the squad.

Yamal, Nico Williams, Mikel Oyarzabal, Borja Iglesias and Ferran Torres are among the forwards expected to appear at the tournament.