Lamine Yamal, a prominent player for Barcelona and Spain, confessed his deep concern about potentially missing the World Cup after sustaining an injury against Espanyol in April. The 18-year-old, who is anticipated to be a central figure in Spain’s World Cup campaign, is currently recovering from a hamstring injury that may sideline him for their opening match against Cape Verde.
Following the squad announcement, manager Luis de la Fuente indicated that players not ready for the first game would be fit for the second encounter against Saudi Arabia. While this is the target for the young talent, there’s a possibility he might miss that match as well. Speaking to Marca from the Spanish training camp, Lamine Yamal shared his thoughts on the moment he got injured.
“Yes, I remember how I got injured,” Yamal recalled. “I was praying internally that it was nothing serious, just a cramp or something. I was so close to the World Cup, and I knew it was a hamstring injury, something I’d never experienced before. It wasn’t a minor issue, so I was afraid it was serious. My biggest fear, though, was not that it was serious, but that I might suffer a relapse and miss the World Cup.”
Potential Benefits of the Break for World Cup Fatigue
While Lamine Yamal would naturally prefer to be fully fit and in form for the tournament, the Barcelona winger acknowledged that the enforced break could benefit his body. It offers a period of rest before heading to the United States, Canada, and Mexico, rather than facing the tournament already fatigued from the end of the club season.
“It’s also true that playing in a World Cup is a motivation,” Yamal added. “My mind feels as if I haven’t played a single game all season, and I’m really looking forward to making my debut.”
“The Pressure Suits Me” โ Lamine Yamal on Handling the Spotlight
As the pinnacle of football competition, every player aspires to participate. However, Lamine Yamal has consistently shown confidence in the spotlight, stating that the pressure associated with it does not pose a problem for him.
“It suits me better, maybe more or less, but it suits me better,” he explained. “Ultimately, when your standards are higher, you elevate your game. If my standards were the same as another player’s, perhaps I wouldn’t be performing at the level I am. So, I like it this way; I see it as a challenge and I truly enjoy it.”
Reflecting on his journey, Yamal said, “In my mind, it feels like I’ve been playing football for 10 years, but in reality, it’s only been 3. Just 3 or 4 years ago, I was playing with them at the sports center. So, a kid who was playing with you 3 years ago is now going to play in a World Cup. It has to be crazy, truly crazy.”
Lamine Yamal is not the only injury concern for manager de la Fuente. Nico Williams is also recuperating from an injury, following a season plagued by fitness issues. Mikel Merino is also returning from a long-term absence, although he is now deemed fit to play.
