Spain coach optimistic over Yamal’s fitness ahead of England clash

Résumé détaillé

Spain coach Luis de la Fuente says he is optimistic winger Lamine Yamal will recover from a knee injury in time to face England in the Nations League. Read More:…

Spain coach Luis de la Fuente said Wednesday he is optimistic Barcelona winger Lamine Yamal will be fit to face England in the Nations League at the weekend.

The 19-year-old winger will miss the world champions’ visit to face the Czech Republic in Prague on Thursday with a knee problem and is set to join up with Spain after that game.

Yamal played for Barcelona in the 2-1 La Liga win over Atletico Madrid on Sunday and on Monday Spain said he would not travel to face the Czechs.

“He got hurt in the last match, he had some discomfort in one knee, he went for the usual treatment, a scan in Barcelona, and they saw he had inflammation and fluid in the knee — that meant he needed rest,” De la Fuente told reporters.

“Our medical staff and his medical staff have a fantastic relationship, and I decided that his trip here should be avoided without knowing whether he’d be in any condition to play.”

The coach said he had spoken to the winger and his recovery was looking positive ahead of England’s visit to Madrid on Sunday.

“He’s doing a series of exercises with his physio and with the club that indicate the recovery is going well,” continued De la Fuente.

De la Fuente dismissed the idea that Yamal, who came third in the Ballon d’Or voting in October, has any special privileges compared to his La Roja team-mates.

“He has no privileges, and his team-mates are relaxed about it, because we treat everyone the same,” added the coach.

Début de l'article, extrait de Punch. Pour lire la suite, ouvrez l'article chez le média.