MADRID — Lamine Yamal has been included in Spain national football team’s World Cup squad despite injury concerns, while no Real Madrid CF player made the final selection for the first time in Spain’s history.
The 18-year-old Barcelona star has not played since suffering a torn left hamstring on April 22, but Spain head coach Luis de la Fuente still named the teenage forward in his 26-man squad for this summer’s tournament.
Athletic Bilbao winger Nico Williams was also selected despite recent hamstring issues, with De la Fuente insisting Spain remain confident both players will be fit for the competition.
“We’re very relaxed. Barring any setbacks, we’ll have everyone available from the very first match,” De la Fuente said.
The squad announcement also highlighted a remarkable shift in Spanish football power.
For the first time ever, no Real Madrid player was selected in Spain’s World Cup squad following a disappointing season for the club, which ended without a major trophy and eight points behind La Liga champions FC Barcelona.
Defenders Dean Huijsen and Dani Carvajal were both omitted.
“I don’t look at one club or another,” De la Fuente said.
“The only thing I want is for these footballers to feel proud of representing the national team.”
Spain enter the tournament among the favorites after another dominant season from Barcelona’s young core, with Yamal, Pedri, Gavi and Dani Olmo all included.
Mikel Merino also returns after recovering from a long-term foot injury, joining fellow Premier League-based players David Raya, Pedro Porro, Marc Cucurella, Rodri and Yeremy Pino in the squad.
Barcelona midfielder Fermín López was ruled out last week with a broken foot.
Spain begin their World Cup campaign against Cape Verde national football team on June 15 before facing Saudi Arabia national football team and Uruguay national football team in Group H.
Source: Saudi Gazette