Spain have named injured forward Lamine Yamal in their World Cup squad despite the teenager missing the final month of the season with a hamstring injury.
The 18-year-old suffered the injury while playing for FC Barcelona in April, but Spain coach Luis de la Fuente remains confident he will recover in time for the tournament.
Athletic Bilbao winger Nico Williams, who has also been dealing with a hamstring issue, has been included in the 26-man squad.
Spain’s squad has grabbed attention because no Real Madrid CF player has been selected for the first time.
Defenders Dean Huijsen and Dani Carvajal were left out, while Barcelona midfielder Fermin Lopez misses the tournament because of a broken foot.
Spain coach confident over injured stars
De la Fuente said there were no major concerns regarding the fitness of Yamal and Williams ahead of the World Cup.
“We’re very relaxed. Barring any setbacks, we’ll have everyone available from the very first match,” he said.
Spain will begin their World Cup campaign against Cape Verde on 15 June before facing Saudi Arabia and Uruguay in Group H.
Several Premier League-based players have also been included in the squad, including Rodri, David Raya, Mikel Merino and Marc Cucurella.
Uncapped defenders earn surprise call-ups
Spain have handed first-time call-ups to defenders Eric Garcia and Marc Pubill after impressive club performances this season.
De la Fuente said excitement around the national team was growing across the country ahead of the World Cup.
“The reaction of people all over Spain — adults and children alike — is that they are fully behind the national team,” he added.
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