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De la Fuente's Gamble: Why Lamine Yamal's World Cup Call-Up Raises Eyebrows

Spain coach Luis de la Fuente has made a bold decision by including Lamine Yamal in his squad for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers. The Barcelona forward returns despite recent injury concerns that previously caused tension between club and country. Spain faces crucial matches against Georgia and Türkiye that will determine their direct qualification for the World Cup. The team is dealing with several key absences but remains confident about securing their ticket to the tournament.

Key Points: Spain Coach De la Fuente Picks Lamine Yamal for World Cup Qualifiers

  • Yamal returns despite pubalgia injury that caused September controversy
  • Spain missing key defenders Carvajal and Le Normand for crucial matches
  • Barcelona teammate Pedri misses out due to muscle injury concerns
  • Winning both remaining games guarantees Spain's World Cup qualification
2 min read

Football: Spain coach De la Fuente picks Lamine Yamal for World Cup games

Spain coach includes Barcelona's Lamine Yamal in crucial World Cup qualifiers despite recent injury concerns, as team faces Georgia and Türkiye for direct qualification.

"I think he is in perfect condition, and his coach said he is able to play football - Luis de la Fuente"

Madrid

, Nov 7 (IANS) Spain coach Luis de la Fuente has included FC Barcelona forward Lamine Yamal in his squad for the World Cup qualifying matches away to Georgia and at home to Türkiye, which will decide if his side qualifies directly for next summer's World Cup.

Yamal is included despite withdrawing from the last squad a month ago due to his ongoing problems with pubalgia and controversy over the injury he picked up in the first two qualifying games in September, when Barcelona coach Hansi Flick was unhappy at the time the 18-year-old played in matches that were already decided.

When asked about his decision to include Yamal, De la Fuente pointed out that he played in Barcelona's last two matches, including the Champions League tie in Bruges on Wednesday, reports Xinhua.

"I think he is in perfect condition, and his coach (Flick) said he is able to play football. He is recovering his best level and we all celebrate that," commented the Spain coach in his Friday press conference. "He will be with us here as long as we consider necessary. We have a lot at stake and we want to have the best players with us," added De la Fuente.

Spain are without injured defenders Dani Carvajal and Robin le Normand for the matches against Georgia and Türkiye, while Barcelona midfielder Pedri has a muscle injury and Nico Williams again misses out due to his pelvic issues, with Pablo Fornals earning a call into the squad and Dani Olmo and Dean Huijsen recalled after missing the last two matches due to injury.

Spain topped their qualifying group, and winning against sides it has already beaten easily would be enough to assure a ticket to the United States, Mexico, and Canada.

Full squad:

Goalkeepers: David Raya, Alex Remiro, Unai Simon.

Defenders: Marcos Llorente, Pedro Porro, Aymeric Laporte, Pau Cubarsi, Dean Huijsen, Dani Vivian, Alex Grimaldo, Marc Cucurella.

Midfielders: Mikel Merino, Aleix Garcia, Fabian Ruiz, Martin Zubimendi, Pablo Fornals, Alex Baena, Pablo Barrios.

Forwards: Dani Olmo, Ferran Torres, Yeremy Pino, Lamine Yamal, Fermin Lopez, Mikel Oyarzabal, Borja Iglesias, Samu.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
As an Indian football fan, I love watching young talents like Yamal develop. Hope he gets proper rest between matches though - injuries can ruin careers early.
A
Arjun K
The coach is taking a big risk including an injured player for crucial qualifiers. Remember what happened with Asensio in the past? Hope it doesn't backfire.
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Sarah B
Interesting squad selection! Good to see young players getting opportunities. The midfield looks solid even without Pedri. Spain should qualify comfortably.
K
Kavya N
Watching from India, I must say European football management is so professional. Here we struggle with player fitness issues constantly. Yamal is lucky to have such good medical support!
M
Michael C
The club vs country debate continues! Barcelona has every right to be concerned about their young star. Hope there's better communication between Flick and De la Fuente going forward.

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