Spain's coach confident Lamine Yamal will be fit for FIFA World Cup opener

Spain head coach Luis de la Fuente remains optimistic that teenage star Lamine Yamal will be fit in time for the country's opening match of the FIFA World Cup later this month.

Speaking on Wednesday, De la Fuente confirmed that Yamal will not feature in Spain’s warm-up fixture against Iraq in A Coruña on Thursday.

The manager, however, expects the Barcelona forward to be fit for Spain's opening match of the group stage campaign against Cape Verde in 15 June in Atlanta.

“If nothing changes, he could be ready to play on June 15,” De la Fuente said.

“It doesn't mean that for sure he will play, we'll see. Maybe a few minutes, maybe just practice so he can improve his condition for the second match. We will have to evaluate.”

Yamal has been held back ever since he picked up a left hamstring injury against Barcelona in a La Liga game on 22 April.

Earlier this week, the 18-year-old admitted he feared missing the tournament and had hoped for a timely recovery ahead of the competition in North America.

The highly rated forward is expected to play a key role for Spain as they pursue a second World Cup title.

De la Fuente also revealed that Nico Williams and Víctor Munoz, who are recovering from injuries, will not take part in the Iraq friendly.

The UEFA Champions League final players have also been rested. Spain will conclude their preparations with a friendly against Peru in Mexico on Monday before travelling to the United States.

After facing Cape Verde, they will meet Saudi Arabia and Uruguay in their remaining group-stage fixtures.