Forward Lamine Yamal is not expected to play in Spain’s World Cup opener on 15 June against Cape Verde in Atlanta because of a hamstring injury, The Athletic reported on Monday.
Yamal’s FC Barcelona teammate Fermin Lopez was less fortunate after he was essentially ruled out for Spain’s World Cup run because of a right foot fracture that will require surgery. The midfielder was injured during the first half of Sunday’s win against Real Betis.
Yamal tore his left hamstring in a 22 April game for Barcelona and was ruled out for the remainder of his club team’s season. The injury occurred when he scored on a penalty kick against Celta Vigo.
Yamal, 18, had been expected to be available for World Cup play, although he is also doubtful to play in Spain’s second group H game against Saudi Arabia on 21 June in Atlanta.
Spain’s third and final group H game will take place on 26 June against Uruguay at Guadalajara, Mexico.
Spain, currently No 2 in Fifa’s latest men’s world rankings, is scheduled to announce its 26-player World Cup team next Monday.
Spain won Uefa Euro 2024 in part due to contributions from a then-16-year-old Yamal. A sublime playmaker and finisher, Yamal has six goals in 25 career appearances for the Spanish national team.
In 28 LaLiga matches for Barcelona, Yamal scored 16 goals, with 24 goals in 45 matches across all competitions.
