De la Fuente confident Yamal will be fit for World Cup

Luis de la Fuente insists Spain will not take any risks with Lamine Yamal's fitness but is confident he will be ready for their second World Cup game at the latest.

Yamal has been sidelined due to a hamstring issue since April but is expected to return to full fitness in time to play an influential role at the World Cup.

Among LaLiga players, only Kylian Mbappe (49) has more goal involvements in all competitions this season than Yamal's 41 (24 goals, 17 assists).

He sits joint-top in that same group for assists (level with Fermin Lopez, who will miss the World Cup through injury), while only Arda Guler (119) can better his 118 chances created.

"We won't rush anything," De la Fuente said when asked if Yamal would be available on Monday, having announced his squad earlier in the day.

"The dates and the reports we have indicate that everyone will be available for either the first or second match.

"We won't take any risks, but if players want to take risks, it's at a World Cup. We'll take some risks if necessary.

"We have to win every match. If they don't play, it's because I don't think they should play."

For the first time in Spain’s World Cup history – they are making their 17th appearance at the tournament – there will be no Real Madrid players in their squad.

Dean Huijsen is the biggest omission, having impressed for Madrid in his debut campaign, while experienced right-back Dani Carvajal was also left out.

"Fortunately, I don't look at where each player comes from," De la Fuente noted. "I only look at whether the player can play with us.

"They are national team players, not players from individual clubs. I don't think I have any further interest in that. I can't give advice to anyone. I just want the players to be proud to represent our country.

"I don't know if there are eight or how many from Barca. They're national team players, I don't care where they play.

"I was really upset about Gavi's injury [for Euro 2024]. He's the team's playmaker, and I don't need to tell you anything about his footballing ability. He's very versatile. He's one of the best players in the world."

Spain are the favourites to win the tournament, with the Opta supercomputer (16%) giving them a higher chance than France (13%), England (11%) and Argentina (10%).

And as the reigning European Championship winners, Spain are looking to become the fourth nation to simultaneously hold both the Euros and the World Cup, and the first since they themselves did so between 2008 and 2012.

"We're among the favourites, but that doesn't guarantee anything. There are teams at the same level," he added.

"France, England, Brazil... they're just as much contenders as we are. In football, you can lose even when you're better than your opponent. We'll fight for everything.

"[Spain need] quality, humanity, and competitiveness. In those areas, we are a very strong team. There are other strengths and areas for improvement. We have a great foundation."

Spain begin their World Cup campaign against Cape Verde in Group H on June 15.