Spain coach Luis de la Fuente has named injured teenage star Lamine Yamal in his 26-man squad for the upcoming World Cup, despite the forward still recovering from a hamstring injury suffered last month.
The 18-year-old Barcelona winger has not played since tearing his left hamstring on 22 April and missed the final stretch of the domestic season. However, De la Fuente expressed confidence that Yamal would recover in time for the tournament, which begins on 11 June.
Spain’s squad announcement also drew attention for another major reason — no players from Real Madrid were selected, marking the first time the club has had no representation in Spain’s World Cup squad. Defenders Dean Huijsen and Dani Carvajal were both omitted after a disappointing season for Real Madrid, who finished eight points behind La Liga champions FC Barcelona and ended the campaign without silverware.
Addressing the absence of Real Madrid players, De la Fuente insisted club loyalties played no part in his decision-making.
“I don’t look at one club or another. I don’t have that local bias a fan might have. For me, it’s more global,” the Spain manager said. “The only thing I want is for these footballers to feel proud of representing the national team.”
Spain have also included Nico Williams despite concerns over his hamstring fitness. De la Fuente remained optimistic about the squad’s overall condition ahead of the tournament.
“We’re very relaxed. Barring any setbacks, we’ll have everyone available from the very first match,” he added.
Premier League players feature heavily in the squad, with seven England-based footballers selected. Mikel Merino returns after recovering from a stress fracture in his foot that sidelined him for four months. Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya and midfielder Martin Zubimendi are also included, alongside Pedro Porro, Marc Cucurella, Rodri and Yeremy Pino.
Uncapped defenders Eric Garcia and Marc Pubill earned surprise call-ups after strong club performances.
Spain begin their Group H campaign against Cape Verde national football team on 15 June before facing Saudi Arabia national football team and Uruguay national football team later in the month.
Spain World Cup squad
Goalkeepers: Unai Simon (Athletic Bilbao), David Raya (Arsenal), Joan Garcia (Barcelona).
Defenders: Marcos Llorente (Atletico Madrid), Marc Pubill (Atletico Madrid), Pedro Porro (Tottenham), Aymeric Laporte (Athletic Bilbao), Eric Garcia (Barcelona), Pau Cubarsi (Barcelona), Marc Cucurella (Chelsea), Alejandro Grimaldo (Bayer Leverkusen).
Midfielders: Rodri (Manchester City), Martin Zubimendi (Arsenal), Mikel Merino (Arsenal), Pedri (Barcelona), Gavi (Barcelona), Fabian Ruiz (Paris St-Germain), Alex Baena (Atletico Madrid).
Forwards: Yeremy Pino (Crystal Palace), Victor Munoz (Osasuna), Mikel Oyarzabal (Real Sociedad), Ferran Torres (Barcelona), Lamine Yamal (Barcelona), Dani Olmo (Barcelona), Nico Williams (Athletic Bilbao), Borja Iglesias (Celta Vigo).
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