MADRID — Lamine Yamal was filled with apprehension about potentially missing the upcoming World Cup due to a hamstring injury, praying for a swift recovery.
Fortunately, Yamal is anticipated to be ready for the tournament starting June 11 in North America. He sustained a left hamstring injury while taking a penalty kick during a match with Barcelona against Celta Vigo on April 22.
“I’ve never experienced a hamstring injury like this, and I was aware it wouldn’t be a quick recovery,” Yamal shared in an interview with the Spanish soccer federation released on Sunday. “I was genuinely worried it could be serious or lead to a setback, causing me to miss the World Cup.”
The 18-year-old fell after successfully converting a penalty kick in the first half against Celta Vigo, immediately signaling to the bench that he was injured. As his teammates rushed to celebrate, he collapsed, seemingly grabbing his left leg’s hamstring.
“I recall the moment I got injured,” Yamal recounted. “I was hoping it wouldn’t be serious, just a cramp or something minor, especially with the World Cup so near.”
Spain’s coach Luis de la Fuente mentioned last week after naming Yamal to the World Cup roster that the forward is likely to be fit for either the first or second match. La Roja will kick off their campaign against Cape Verde on June 15 in Atlanta, followed by matches against Saudi Arabia on June 21 in Atlanta and Uruguay on June 26 in Guadalajara, Mexico.
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Yamal is expected to play a crucial role for Spain as they aim to secure their second World Cup title, having previously won in South Africa in 2010.
“The moment is finally here,” Yamal expressed. “Ever since the last European Championship, we’ve been looking forward to this day, and the excitement is palpable. We enter the tournament as the reigning European champions, and we’ll give it our all.”
Spain began their World Cup training on Saturday in Madrid, with approximately 2,000 fans attending the team’s first practice session on Sunday.