Spain’s national team coach Luis de la Fuente has expressed confidence that key injured players will recover in time to play a full role in the country’s 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign.
The Spanish squad is currently managing fitness concerns involving Lamine Yamal, Nico Williams, and Mikel Merino, all of whom are racing against time to regain full match fitness ahead of the tournament.
Spain have been drawn in Group H alongside Saudi Arabia, Cape Verde, and Uruguay, with fixtures scheduled across the United States and Mexico.
Speaking to Europa Press, De la Fuente downplayed concerns over the injuries, insisting the players are expected to return in time for the tournament.
“I believe we will have Lamine, Nico and (Mikel) Merino available for the opening match and if not, they should be ready for the second or third game. We do not see it as a major problem,” he said.
He added that while the situation requires careful monitoring due to limited recovery time, medical updates on the players remain positive.
“At this stage, even small injuries become difficult because there is very little time left. Nico’s issue is less serious and we expect him back within three or four weeks,” he noted.
De la Fuente is expected to name his final World Cup squad on May 25, with attention now focused on whether the recovering trio will make the final cut for Spain’s tournament push.
