Spain coach Luis de la Fuente has named injured teenage star Lamine Yamal in his 26-man squad for the upcoming World Cup, despite the forward missing the final weeks of the season with a hamstring injury.
The 18-year-old suffered a tear in his left hamstring while playing for FC Barcelona on 22 April and has not featured since. However, De la Fuente remains confident the youngster will be ready for the tournament.
“We’re very relaxed. Barring any setbacks, we’ll have everyone available from the very first match,” the Spain manager said after announcing the squad.
The selection also made headlines for another reason, with no players from Real Madrid included for the first time in Spain’s World Cup history. Defenders Dean Huijsen and Dani Carvajal were both left out after a disappointing season for the Madrid side, who finished eight points behind La Liga champions Barcelona and ended the campaign without silverware.
De la Fuente rejected suggestions of club bias in his selections.
“I don’t look at one club or another. I don’t have that local bias a fan might have. For me, it’s more global,” he said. “The only thing I want is for these footballers to feel proud of representing the national team.”
Nico Williams was also included despite ongoing hamstring concerns, while Mikel Merino earned a place after returning for Arsenal FC in the final Premier League match of the season following four months out with a stress fracture in his foot.
Spain’s squad features seven Premier League-based players, including David Raya, Martin Zubimendi, Pedro Porro, Marc Cucurella, Rodri and Yeremy Pino.
Defenders Eric Garcia and Marc Pubill were rewarded for strong campaigns with Barcelona and Atlético Madrid respectively.
Meanwhile, Fermin Lopez will miss the tournament after recently suffering a broken foot.
Spain begin their World Cup campaign in Group H against debutants Cape Verde on 15 June before facing Saudi Arabia on 21 June and Uruguay on 26 June. The tournament runs from 11 June to 19 July.
“Excitement is the key word. Passion,” De la Fuente added. “The reaction of people all over Spain – adults and children alike – is that they are fully behind the national team.”