Spain national team coach Luis de la Fuente has expressed confidence that Barcelona youngster Lamine Yamal will recover in time to feature against England in Sunday's UEFA Nations League encounter in Madrid.
Yamal reportedly experienced discomfort in his right knee following Barcelona's 2-1 victory over Atletico Madrid on Sunday, November 8. Medical examinations conducted in Barcelona revealed inflammation and fluid in the affected knee, prompting doctors to recommend rest.
Speaking about the player's condition, De la Fuente said the decision to keep him in Barcelona was made after consultations between the medical teams representing Spain and Barcelona.
The coach explained that although Yamal was eager to join the national team, his health remained the priority. Rather than risk worsening the injury, the technical team agreed that he should continue receiving treatment at his club.
De la Fuente said he was encouraged by the progress made during the recovery process and expected the winger to join the Spanish squad on Friday.
"He's doing a series of exercises with his physio and with the club that indicate the recovery is going well. We believe, I'm optimistic, that on Friday he'll be with us," the coach said.
His comments have raised hopes that Yamal could be available when Spain host England at the Metropolitano Stadium on Sunday, November 15.
The potential return would be a boost for Spain, considering the Barcelona youngster's importance to the team's attacking options. His pace, dribbling ability and creativity have made him one of the country's key attacking players.
However, De la Fuente has insisted that the decision to rest Yamal was not an indication that the player enjoys special treatment within the national team.
The coach dismissed suggestions that the winger had been given privileges unavailable to other members of the squad. He maintained that Spain would have made the same decision for any player facing a similar injury situation.
He also expressed frustration with media reports suggesting that Yamal was being treated differently, arguing that some of the claims did not accurately reflect the circumstances surrounding the player's absence.
Meanwhile, Spain head into the England encounter in strong form. The defending world champions have won all four of their Group A3 matches and already secured qualification for the Nations League quarterfinals.
De la Fuente's side are also seeking to extend their impressive unbeaten run-in competitive matches, giving the upcoming meeting with England additional significance.
For Yamal, the immediate priority remains completing his recovery and returning to full fitness. While the coach is optimistic about his availability, the final decision will depend on his condition after rejoining the squad.
Spanish supporters will therefore be watching closely to see whether the teenage forward can recover in time for Sunday's highly anticipated encounter.
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