Yamal will not travel for Spain’s final tune-up
Lamine Yamal will remain behind at Spain's base camp in the United States rather than joining the team for its final warm-up ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup as he continues his rehabilitation from a hamstring injury suffered towards the end of the LaLiga season.
Spain won't bring the teenage superstar or forwards Nico Williams and Victor Munoz to face Peru on Tuesday (AEST) in Puebla, Mexico.
Yamal suffered a partial tear of his hamstring on 23 April (AEST) while playing for Barcelona.
The 18-year-old missed the remainder of the La Liga season but was chosen for his first FIFA World Cup by Spain coach Luis de la Fuente regardless.
Spain will open its 2026 FIFA World Cup on 16 June (AEST) against Cape Verde in Atlanta, and de la Fuente said earlier this week that the wunderkind "could be ready" in time.
"It doesn't mean that for sure he will play, we'll see," de la Fuente said.
"Maybe a few minutes, maybe just practice so he can improve his condition for the second match. We will have to evaluate."
Spanish newspaper Diario AS reported on Monday (AEST) that Barcelona has set conditions for Yamal's return to play, which include no more than 15 minutes against Cape Verde and a maximum of 60 in Spain's second match against Saudi Arabia.
Fernando Galan, a physiotherapist for Barcelona who also works closely with the Spain national team's medical staff, has overseen Yamal's rehab plan, Diario AS reported.
Yamal finished second in the 2025 Ballon d'Or voting. He also helped Spain win the UEFA Euro 2024 title after turning 17 during the tournament.
He has six goals in 25 career appearances for the national team and was one of Barcelona's best players as it romped to a second straight LaLiga title in 2025-2026.
