Spain vs Cape Verde: Yamal and Williams on Bench for World Cup Opener

Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams are available for Spain’s World Cup opener against Cape Verde, but neither player will start the game.

Injury Scare Ahead of Tournament

La Roja, among the favourites for glory in North America this summer, suffered a major double injury scare in the weeks before the tournament after their two top attacking talents both picked up injuries. Teenage superstar Yamal - who also underwent surgery on a persistent groin issue back in November - missed the last month of the campaign with Barcelona due to a grade two hamstring tear, while Williams has not played since May 10 after sustaining what was described as a “minor” hamstring problem of his own while in action for Athletic Club in LaLiga.

Neither Yamal nor Williams played any part in World Cup warm-up friendlies against Iraq and Peru, though did both return to training last week and have been declared fit for Spain’s Group H campaign.

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De la Fuente's Decision

Speaking on the eve of the meeting with finals debutants Cape Verde in Atlanta, Spain head coach Luis de la Fuente confirmed the pair were in contention, even describing Yamal’s condition as “perfect” as he seeks to make his World Cup debut and match his phenomenal Euro 2024 heroics. However, he also insisted that neither man would start, with the same also being the case for Osasuna winger Victor Munoz, who has recovered from a calf issue sustained on club duty last month.

Spain are missing Barcelona attacking midfielder Fermin Lopez, who was ruled out for the entire tournament with a broken bone in his right foot sustained against Real Betis in May. He underwent surgery and is expected to be sidelined for approximately three months.

Opportunity for Others

Though Yamal and Williams are both certain starters for their country when fit, their places on the bench against Cape Verde offer the chance for others to step up and make an impression before further Group H meetings with Saudi Arabia and Uruguay.

De La Fuente appeared to pick what should be extremely close to his opening World Cup XI for last week’s final warm-up friendly against Peru in Mexico, with Ferran Torres and Alex Baena joining Mikel Oyarzabal in attack with Munoz also sidelined. Fabian Ruiz, Rodri and Pedri were the midfield trio, with Marc Cucurella - who has agreed a post-World Cup transfer from Chelsea to Real Madrid - and Marcos Llorente at full-back, either side of central defenders Pau Cubarsi and Aymeric Laporte.

Unai Simon is expected to retain his place in goal despite coming under severe pressure for the No1 shirt from both Arsenal star David Raya and Barcelona’s Joan Garcia.

As ever, Spain’s strength in depth is the envy of most nations and De La Fuente has plenty of other options all over the pitch if he chooses to switch things up, including the likes of Gavi, Dani Olmo, Pedro Porro, Martin Zubimendi and the fit-again Mikel Merino.