Spain thrilled as Lamine Yamal rejoins squad for World Cup qualifiers

BARCELONA: Spain coach Luis de la Fuente said on Friday that he was delighted to welcome teenage sensation Lamine Yamal back to the national side after the Barcelona forward rejoined the squad for their World Cup qualifiers against Georgia and Turkey.

A groin injury sidelined Yamal for Spain’s previous two fixtures, but he returned to club duty in time for Barcelona’s Clasico defeat against Real Madrid.
The spotlight on the teenage winger has only grown since his post-match confrontation with several Madrid players following Barça’s 2–1 loss two weeks ago.

“He’s fit again and we are delighted to have him back,” De la Fuente said.

Under a barrage of questions concerning Yamal, De La Fuente stood firm.

“The media is ready to pounce on him and this should make him dig in.”

“He’s just 18 years old, we need to help and guide him so he can mature as a person and a player. His club must back him up and the national set-up too,” he said.

Yamal is available to face Georgia on November 15 in Tbilisi followed by Turkey in Seville three days later.

Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Fabián Ruiz is also back to full fitness after recovering from the leg injury he sustained during the 2–1 Champions League win over Barcelona at the start of October.

European champions Spain sit atop Group E, with automatic qualification for next year’s World Cup within reach.

While Yamal returns to national duty, coach Luis de la Fuente will be without his Barcelona teammate Pedri and Manchester City star Rodri.

Also out of contention with injury are Real Madrid captain Dani Carvajal, Athletic Bilbao winger Nico Williams, and Atletico Madrid defender Robin Le Normand.