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Last Updated:July 16, 2026, 23:52 IST
Spain suffered an injury scare after Lamine Yamal missed group training ahead of the World Cup final, but optimism remains that the Barcelona star will face Argentina.
Lamine Yamal was spotted not training with his Spain teammates (AFP)
Spain have been handed a fresh injury concern ahead of Sunday’s FIFA World Cup 2026 final after teenage sensation Lamine Yamal skipped Thursday’s group training session.
The Barcelona winger, who played a key role in Spain’s 2-0 semi-final victory over France, did not train with the rest of Luis de la Fuente’s squad. Instead, the 19-year-old completed an individual recovery session away from the main group.
The development has naturally raised concerns just three days before Spain’s blockbuster final against Lionel Messi’s Argentina at MetLife Stadium.
Why Did Lamine Miss Training?
Questions over Yamal’s fitness first emerged after Tuesday’s win over France.
The youngster appeared to be struggling physically during the closing stages of the match after a collision with Kylian Mbappe and was later spotted limping noticeably as he left the pitch.
Although he completed the full 90 minutes and did not require medical treatment during the game, images of Yamal walking with a heavy limp immediately sparked speculation over his availability for the blockbuster final.
Thursday’s training session only added to those concerns, with the winger seen working individually while his thigh was heavily strapped.
The timing is particularly significant given that Yamal entered the tournament carrying a hamstring issue that forced him to miss the final stretch of Barcelona’s 2025-26 season.
Spain Remain Optimistic
Despite the scare, there is growing confidence inside the Spain camp that Yamal will be fit to start against Argentina.
The decision to keep him away from full training is understood to be a precaution rather than a sign of a serious setback, with De la Fuente’s staff unwilling to take any unnecessary risks before the biggest game of the tournament.
Spain will be desperate to have their teenage star available as they chase a second World Cup title, 16 years after lifting the trophy in South Africa.
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Key Questions Answered
Lamine Yamal missed group training ahead of the World Cup final due to an injury scare, but optimism remains that he will play against Argentina. He was seen working individually with his thigh strapped.
Lamine Yamal is recovering from a left hamstring injury, which caused him to miss the end of Barcelona's 2025-26 season and Spain's World Cup opener. He was seen with his thigh heavily strapped and working individually in training ahead of the World Cup final.
Spain's ability to win the World Cup without Lamine Yamal is uncertain, as he missed training ahead of the final due to an injury scare. Despite this, there is optimism within the Spanish camp that he will be fit to play against Argentina.
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After training in the field of broadcast media, Siddarth, as a sub-editor for News18 Sports, currently dabbles in putting together stories, from across a plethora of sports, onto a digital canvas. His...Read More
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