7M - Yamal Dedicates Three Hours Daily to World Cup Return, Says De la Fuente

Spain head coach Luis de la Fuente revealed that Lamine Yamal is training up to three hours each day as he works toward fitness for the FIFA World Cup. The Barcelona winger suffered a hamstring injury during a match against Celta Vigo in April, ruling him out for the remainder of the club season. However, Spain remain hopeful he will be available for the tournament.

Yamal has recorded 27 goal contributions in LaLiga this season, with 16 goals and 11 assists. Only Kylian Mbappe of Real Madrid has more, with 28. Yamal stands as the sole player reaching double digits in assists across the league.

Spain open their Group H campaign against Cape Verde on June 15 in Atlanta, followed by matches versus Saudi Arabia and Uruguay. De la Fuente expressed confidence that Yamal's rigorous preparation will position him to lead Spain's quest for a second World Cup title, their last coming in 2010.

"Beyond his exceptional talent, he trains three hours daily, visits the gym, works with his physio, nutritionist, and psychologist, and commits to invisible training, which is the most vital element," De la Fuente stated, per Goal. "Invisible training means thinking about your craft around the clock. Nobody hands Lamine anything. I speak about him because I know him well. God willing, he will reach the World Cup in optimal condition."

At Euro 2024, Yamal became the youngest player ever to score at a European Championship or World Cup, surpassing Pele's long-standing record. Named Young Player of the Tournament in Germany, he delivered four assists, the most by any player in a single Euros edition.

While eager to have Yamal fully fit, De la Fuente emphasized the importance of squad depth, citing Dani Olmo's successful recovery and impact at Euro 2024. "We prepare for every scenario," he added. "Some players can provide twenty minutes of quality, and that holds tremendous value. Olmo arrived injured, nearly excluded, yet became decisive in the tournament."