Coach Lamine Yamal said ahead of Spain’s match against Saudi Arabia, “This is not the time to play the full game.”
Published June 19, 2026
Spain star Lamine Yamal says it is “too soon” for him to play the full 90 minutes as he continues to recover from a hamstring injury ahead of the European champions’ World Cup match against Saudi Arabia.
“It’s very early. It’s unnecessary,” the 18-year-old said Friday.
The player told Spanish public broadcaster RTVE about his determination to play every game, saying, “It’s not the time to play every game, but I can play as many minutes as the coach wants.”
Luis de la Fuente’s team ended in an unexpected goalless draw with debutant Cape Verde in the opening game of Group H, but will be hoping to improve their form against Saudi Arabia on Sunday.
On Monday, Barcelona winger Yamal made his first appearance since being injured in mid-April, coming on as a substitute in the 71st minute against Cape Verde.
Coach de la Fuente told Radio Corp on Thursday that Yamal could play “an hour” this weekend in Atlanta.
Yamal was unable to inspire his teammates in the final stages of a tenacious match against Cape Verde, but Barcelona teammate Pau Cavalci supported him in the tournament.
“We already know Lamine’s qualities,” Kabarshi said on Friday.
“Whether he plays or not, he’s going to help us in any way he can. But I think whoever plays in his place will do just as well.”
Spain were favorites before the tournament but have not made it past the last 16 at a World Cup since lifting the trophy for the first time in 2010.
