Spain boss Luis de la Fuente has been handed a major headache just months before the 2026 World Cup, with teenage sensation Lamine Yamal picking up an injury that threatens to disrupt his preparations.
The 17-year-old Barcelona winger, who has been a revelation for both club and country, suffered the setback during training. While the full extent of the problem has not been officially confirmed, early reports suggest it could keep him sidelined for a significant period.
De la Fuente had built his attacking plans around Yamal’s explosive pace and creativity. The youngster’s emergence has been one of the biggest positives for Spain since their Euro 2024 triumph, and his absence would leave a noticeable gap on the right flank.
Spain are set to begin their World Cup campaign in 2026, and the timing of this injury could not be worse. With key qualifiers also on the horizon, de la Fuente now faces a race against time to assess his options.
Sources close to the Spanish camp have confirmed that the coaching staff are monitoring the situation closely. No decision has been made yet on whether Yamal will be available for the upcoming international fixtures, but the concern is growing.
“We are taking it day by day,” a federation insider revealed. “Lamine is a special talent, and we will not take any risks. The World Cup is the priority, and we need him fit for that.”
Yamal’s absence in recent training sessions has already forced de la Fuente to experiment with alternative line-ups. Players like Ferran Torres and Nico Williams are being considered as potential replacements, but neither offers the same direct threat that Yamal brings.
The Spanish public, still riding high from the Euro 2024 success, are anxiously waiting for positive news. For now, all eyes are on the medical team as they work to get their starlet back on the pitch before the 2026 World Cup kicks off.
