Lamine Yamal Makes Comeback for Spain's World Cup Qualifying Matches

Post by : Mina Carter

Spain’s head coach Luis de la Fuente is thrilled to announce the return of teenage star Lamine Yamal to the national team ahead of vital World Cup qualifying matches. The young Barcelona forward, who had been nursing a groin injury, is back just in time to assist the team in their upcoming fixtures against Georgia and Turkey.

At only 18, Yamal missed the last two qualifiers due to his injury but made a welcomed return to club football recently. Although Barcelona faced a disappointing 2-1 loss to arch-rivals Real Madrid during the recent El Clasico, Yamal remains a hot topic in Spanish football discourse. His interaction with several Real Madrid players post-match has attracted significant media attention.

During a press conference on Friday, coach Luis de la Fuente expressed strong support for the young forward. "He’s back to full fitness and we couldn’t be happier to have him with us," he stated, stressing Yamal’s crucial role in Spain’s campaign. When asked about the media hype surrounding the player, de la Fuente showed a protective demeanor, urging patience and understanding towards the young talent.

"The media is eager to scrutinize him, which should motivate him," de la Fuente remarked. "At just 18 years old, he needs guidance and support—not just from his club but also from the national setup."

Yamal’s recovery comes at a crucial moment for Spain, who currently lead Group E in the European World Cup qualifiers. With automatic qualification in sight, his return bolsters the team’s attacking lineup. Spain is set to play Georgia in Tbilisi on November 15 and will host Turkey in Seville on November 18.

Additionally, Paris Saint-Germain’s Fabian Ruiz is resuming his place in the squad after recovering from a leg injury sustained during PSG’s recent 2-1 Champions League victory over Barcelona.

Unfortunately, Spain will miss some pivotal players, including Barcelona’s Pedri and Manchester City’s Rodri, who remain sidelined due to injuries. Further absences from the squad include Real Madrid’s captain Dani Carvajal, Athletic Bilbao’s Nico Williams, and Atletico Madrid’s Robin Le Normand, all grappling with injury issues.

As Spain seeks to secure a strong finish in the qualifiers, Yamal’s revival brings renewed optimism for the squad and its fans. Luis de la Fuente’s balanced approach to nurturing young talent while handling the pressures of international football will be crucial for Spain’s journey toward World Cup qualification and success on the world stage.

Nov. 8, 2025 1:21 p.m. 275

Global News