Lamine Yamal is set to make his long-awaited return to action for Spain after head coach Luis de la Fuente has decided to include the Barcelona star in the team’s World Cup opener against Cape Verde.
However, the teenager is not expected to start the match as Spain remain cautious in managing his recovery.
According to SPORT, Yamal has fully recovered from the hamstring injury that has kept him out since April and is now back training with the national team.
While there is growing confidence surrounding his physical condition, Spain have no intention of rushing him back into full action.
Instead, the plan is to gradually increase his workload throughout the group stage, ensuring he reaches peak condition for the tournament’s most demanding matches.
When will he return?
The Barcelona winger returned to training on Tuesday after missing Spain’s previous friendly against Peru.
His comeback has been welcomed by both the national team and Barcelona, although caution remains the priority.
The outlet reports that De la Fuente has decided that, rather than starting the game against Cape Verde, Yamal is expected to come off the bench and play between 15 and 20 minutes.
The objective is to allow him to regain his competitive rhythm without exposing him to unnecessary risks.
Spain are then expected to increase his involvement in the second group-stage match against Saudi Arabia on June 21.
As per the current blueprint, he could play around 30 minutes or more in that encounter as part of a structured recovery programme.
Everything is being geared towards having Yamal fully ready for Spain’s final group fixture against Uruguay on June 26, a match that could determine top spot in the group.
Barcelona keeping an eye
Although Spain’s latest plan will provide some reassurance, Barcelona are likely to remain attentive throughout the tournament.
The concern from the Catalan club has never been about Yamal representing his country.
Instead, it has centred on the timing of his return. By the time Spain face Cape Verde, only 54 days will have passed since the injury occurred, placing him at the earliest end of the projected recovery timeline.
That is why Spain’s gradual approach could prove important. Rather than throwing him into the starting lineup, De la Fuente is prioritising the player’s long-term fitness.