Spain have received a big boost ahead of the FIFA World Cup, with coach Luis de la Fuente expressing confidence that teenage star Lamine Yamal will be fit for the team’s opening match against Cape Verde on June 15.Yamal, who suffered a left hamstring injury while playing for Barcelona in April, will not feature in Spain’s warm-up match against Iraq. However, the coaching staff is optimistic about his recovery and availability for the tournament opener in Atlanta. De la Fuente said the 18-year-old is progressing well and could be ready in time for Spain’s first World Cup fixture.De La Fuente said he could be ready to play on June 15 if nothing changes. “It doesn’t mean he will play for sure, we’ll see. Maybe a few minutes, maybe just practice so he can get fit for the second match. We’ll have to judge.”Yamal recently admitted that he feared missing the World Cup after the injury and was relieved to see his recovery progressing in the right direction. The Barcelona youngster is expected to be one of Spain’s key players as the team aim to challenge for the title.Spain will also be without Nico Williams and Victor Munoz for the warm-up game as they recover from injuries. The players involved in the recent Champions League final will also be rested.The Spanish team will play another warm-up match against Peru in Mexico before heading to the World Cup. De La Fuente did not say which players will be in the game.Spain will open their Group H campaign against Cape Verde before facing Saudi Arabia and Uruguay in the rest of their group stage. The 2010 world champions have not progressed beyond the round of 16 since lifting the trophy and will be hoping to change that record this summer.“We’re all excited to get started and try to do well in the tournament,” De La Fuente said.
