Lamine Yamal is likely to start for Spain against Turkey after recovering from a back issue sustained during the Bulgaria game. Coach Luis de la Fuente confirmed no significant fitness concerns within the squad. De la Fuente also praised Mikel Oyarzabal and Alvaro Morata ahead of the crucial World Cup qualifier.
Lamine Yamal, the prodigious Barcelona forward, is in line to potentially start for Spain in their crucial World Cup qualifier against Turkey on Sunday. This encouraging news comes after head coach Luis de la Fuente allayed fears regarding Yamal's fitness, confirming that there are no significant injury concerns within the squad. The young star had sparked concerns after appearing to struggle with a back issue during Spain's comfortable 3-0 victory over Bulgaria on Thursday, where he also contributed an assist for Mikel Merino's goal.
Reports had suggested that Yamal might be forced to withdraw from the squad due to the injury. However, the player participated in Saturday's training session, putting those concerns to rest. De la Fuente addressed the media ahead of the match in Konya, stating, "I will assess whether there are more or less tired players. There are some blows, discomfort, but not important. There is no discomfort from any player that is important." This statement strongly suggests that Yamal is in contention to feature prominently against Turkey.
The Spanish national team is brimming with talent, and De la Fuente acknowledged the depth of his squad. "[Saturday’s] training is very important. We haven’t decided the starting XI yet; we need to consider many details," he said. He also added, "I have the luck, pride, and privilege to coach, in my opinion, the best footballers in the world. There are many areas we need to improve to keep progressing." This indicates that while Yamal is likely to play a role, the final decision on the starting lineup will be made after careful consideration.
De la Fuente also used the press conference as an opportunity to praise other key members of his squad, including Mikel Oyarzabal and captain Alvaro Morata. Oyarzabal, who plays for Real Sociedad, has been in excellent form for La Roja, scoring four goals in his last four appearances, including the opening goal against Bulgaria. The coach highlighted Oyarzabal's versatility, saying, "He is a very reliable player. Like his team-mates, he is ready to play in multiple positions. I’m very calm because, whoever plays up front, we have players of fantastic quality."
Morata, the experienced Atletico Madrid striker, also received high praise from De la Fuente. "Alvaro is very important to us; he is our captain and deserves all the affection of the country. I’m proud to have players like Alvaro Morata in this squad," he stated. Morata's leadership and experience are considered vital to the Spanish national team, both on and off the field.
Spain's match against Turkey is a crucial one in their World Cup qualifying campaign. A victory would significantly boost their chances of securing a place in the tournament. With players like Yamal, Oyarzabal, and Morata in good form, and with a coach who clearly believes in his team, Spain will be confident of achieving a positive result. The blend of youthful exuberance and experienced leadership within the squad makes them a formidable opponent for any team.
The potential inclusion of Yamal in the starting lineup adds an extra dimension to Spain's attack. His pace, skill, and creativity can unlock defenses and create goal-scoring opportunities. If he is indeed given the nod to start, he will be eager to impress and further cement his place in the national team. Spanish Football's tweet encapsulates the team's spirit:
Team’s ready to smash it tomorrowpic.twitter.com/20YhbktQvc
— Spanish Football (@SpainIsFootball) September 6, 2025
The match promises to be an intriguing encounter, with both teams vying for a vital victory in their quest to reach the World Cup. Spain's fans will be hoping to see their team deliver a strong performance and take a significant step towards securing their place in the tournament.