Barcelona teenager Lamine Yamal and Athletic Bilbao winger Nico Williams are expected to be available for Spain’s World Cup opener against debutants Cape Verde on June 15, head coach Luis de la Fuente has confirmed.
Both Yamal and Williams missed the final weeks of the club season with hamstring injuries, but their return will provide a major boost for the reigning European champions ahead of their campaign in Canada, Mexico and the United States.
Osasuna winger Victor Munoz is also on course to be fit for Spain’s first group-stage match in Atlanta. However, all three players remained at Spain’s training base in the United States and did not travel to Mexico for Monday’s friendly against Peru.
“We regret that they are not here with us, but the medical and physical conditioning staff advised them to stay there,” De la Fuente said.
“All three should be available for the next match. They are progressing well in their recovery and are doing very well.”
Spain are expected to be among the leading contenders at the World Cup, with 18-year-old Yamal tipped as one of the tournament’s potential breakout stars.
After facing Cape Verde, Spain will meet Saudi Arabia in Atlanta before completing their group-stage campaign against Uruguay in Guadalajara.
