Spain coach Luis de la Fuente is optimistic that Barcelona winger Lamine Yamal will recover from a knee problem in time for Sunday’s UEFA Nations League encounter against England in Madrid.

De la Fuente gave the update on Wednesday, November 11, saying the 19-year-old’s recovery was progressing well after medical checks revealed inflammation and fluid in his right knee.

Yamal sustained the problem during Barcelona’s 2-1 La Liga victory over Atletico Madrid on Sunday. Although he completed the match, the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) confirmed that he would miss Thursday’s Nations League fixture against the Czech Republic.

The winger has remained in Barcelona to continue his recovery rather than travel to Prague with the national team.

Speaking ahead of Spain’s meeting with the Czech Republic, De la Fuente said he had been in contact with Yamal and was encouraged by his progress.

“He’s doing a series of exercises with his physio and with the club that indicate the recovery is going well,” the coach said.

“We believe, I’m optimistic, that on Friday he’ll be with us.”

The Spain manager explained that the decision to delay Yamal’s arrival at the national team’s training camp was taken to avoid unnecessary travel and give him time to recover.

He also rejected suggestions that the Barcelona forward was receiving preferential treatment, insisting that the same decision would have been made for any other player in a similar medical situation.

“He has no privileges, and his team-mates are relaxed about it, because we treat everyone the same,” De la Fuente said.

The coach also criticised reports questioning the handling of the winger’s injury, saying some comments had been made without sufficient knowledge of the circumstances.

Spain are scheduled to host England at the Metropolitano Stadium in Madrid on Sunday, November 15, in their final Group A3 fixture of the Nations League.

Yamal’s possible return would be a boost for De la Fuente, whose side have already secured qualification for the quarter-finals after winning their first four group matches.

England, meanwhile, will be looking to challenge Spain for the top position in the group.

The Spanish federation is continuing to monitor Yamal’s condition in coordination with Barcelona’s medical team. His participation against England will depend on his recovery, although the coach’s latest comments suggest the national team remains hopeful.

Yamal has become an important member of Spain’s senior side and was part of the team that won the 2024 European Championship.