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Nations League | League A

Sep 5, 2024 at 7.45pm UK

Stadion Rajko Mitic

Serbia
0 - 0
Spain

Erakovic (5'), Birmancevic (43'), Belic (69')

Perez (21'), Carvajal (27'), Yamal (41'), Le Normand (59'), Olmo (67'), De la Fuente Castillo (85')

Spain boss Luis de la Fuente issues Lamine Yamal fitness update after injury scare

By Matt Law, Football Editor

Published: September 5 2024 | 12:26

Last updated: September 5 2024 | 13:56

Is he available? Spain boss issues Yamal fitness update

Spain head coach Luis de la Fuente provides an update on Lamine Yamal's fitness after the attacker picked up a knock while representing Barcelona last weekend.

Spain head coach Luis de la Fuente has insisted that Lamine Yamal "is fine", with the 17-year-old ready to represent La Roja despite concerns over a knock which he suffered last weekend.

Yamal played the full 90 minutes of Barcelona's 7-0 victory over Real Valladolid on Saturday, but there were some concerns over a knock which he picked up during the La Liga affair.

The teenager was sent for a medical check-up on Wednesday ahead of Spain's UEFA Nations League contest against Serbia on Thursday, and De la Fuente insisted that the attacker is ready to feature.

"He is fine. He had a small discomfort from a knock from the match. He had trained normally and is very young and inexperienced in this type of situation. He has had some tests and is completely calm," Mundo Deportivo quotes De la Fuente as saying.

Spain's Lamine Yamal celebrates after the match on July 9, 2024 © Reuters

Yamal is fit to represent Spain in the Nations League

"It's nothing serious, just a knock, nothing more. I've seen him calm. He's a very composed boy, mature beyond his years.

"When he's with us, he behaves more like a seasoned player than a teenager. He has to get used to being in the spotlight, but he's handling it well and will continue to grow both as a player and as a person."

Yamal has scored once and provided four assists in four La Liga appearances for Barcelona this season, and he was vital to Spain's Euro 2024 success, starring for his country at the tournament.

La Roja will now switch their attention to the Nations League, preparing to open their 2024-25 challenge against Serbia on Thursday night before tackling Switzerland on September 8.

"They are a very tough opponent. Many things are said to reassure us. I appreciate the praise, but we know how tough it will be in such a legendary atmosphere as this stadium," he added.

Spain head coach Luis de la Fuente celebrates after winning Euro 2024 on July 14, 2024 © Imago

De la Fuente calls Serbia "a very tough opponent"

"It's an insatiable team. We want to continue improving, growing, incorporating new players and skills. And we want to continue being the best. The only way to grow is to keep taking steps forward. We have to keep doing things much better."

De la Fuente was also asked whether he would be looking to get both Pedri and Dani Olmo into the same side.

"They are very important for us, we will try to integrate them in the best way possible. It does not mean that they will play tomorrow," the manager added.

Spain are currently on a run of nine straight victories in all competitions, with their last match proving to be the 2-1 victory over England in the final of Euro 2024.