Spain manager Luis de la Fuente has offered a reassuring update on Barcelona starlet Lamine Yamal's fitness ahead of the 2026 World Cup, confirming that the 18-year-old winger is on track to be ready for the tournament despite a season-ending hamstring injury.

The injury, sustained in Barcelona's 1-0 victory over Celta Vigo last month, is expected to sideline Yamal for approximately five weeks. While it's far from ideal that he'll miss the remainder of the club season—which would have allowed him to build form and momentum—the priority for Spain is ensuring he's fully fit for their World Cup opener against Cape Verde in mid-June.

Speaking during a press conference on Wednesday, de la Fuente addressed Yamal's recovery and also touched on the situation with fellow winger Nico Williams, who has been dealing with his own injury struggles in recent weeks.

"They are two very important players for us, but so are others," de la Fuente said. "For us, every day is another step. We want the same commitment from everyone. Hopefully, we'll remember the Spain of Lamine and Nico, but the important thing is that this is a family, and we value the group result. Nico is already reaching his level, and I am sure Lamine will too, God willing. The most important thing is to arrive healthy."

The Spain boss also confirmed that his 26-man squad for the trip to North America is nearly finalized. "The best news is that the group is consolidated, almost done," he added. "It's a group that works well. I hope there are no setbacks in the form of injury in these weeks. We have a group already formed, and the last three or four spots may fluctuate due to injury concerns. There is still time, and I hope the injured players manage to recover."

For Spain fans, the message is clear: the team's dynamic young duo is being handled with care, and the focus is on peak performance when it matters most—on the world's biggest stage.