Lamine Yamal will return for England clash, confirms Spain boss Luis de la Fuente

Spain manager Luis de la Fuente has confirmed that Lamine Yamal will return to the squad ahead of Sunday’s Nations League showdown against England, providing a timely boost to the European champions.

The Barcelona forward missed Spain’s 2-0 victory over the Czech Republic on Thursday after remaining in Barcelona to recover from a knee injury.

However, De la Fuente has indicated that the 18-year-old is feeling better and is expected to rejoin his international teammates ahead of the crucial encounter.

Yamal’s availability would strengthen Spain’s attacking options as they prepare to face England in a meeting that could determine the final positions in League A Group 3.

Speaking to Spanish television channel La 1, De la Fuente expressed confidence that the youngster would be ready to link up with the squad.

“Lamine feels very good now and is really looking forward to joining the squad tomorrow,” the Spain manager said.

The return of the Barcelona sensation comes at an important stage of Spain’s campaign, with the reigning European champions looking to maintain their advantage at the top of the group.

Oyarzabal also returns after birth of second child

Spain will also welcome back Mikel Oyarzabal after the Real Sociedad forward missed Thursday’s victory for personal reasons.

The 28-year-old remained in San Sebastian to be present for the birth of his second child, with De la Fuente confirming that he would also rejoin the national team ahead of Sunday’s fixture.

The Spain manager revealed that both players were expected to arrive at different times on Friday before participating in preparations for the England encounter.

“Mikel too. One will arrive at midday and the other a little later, but both will be with us tomorrow,” he added.

Oyarzabal’s return provides another attacking option for De la Fuente as Spain prepare for a demanding test against an England side seeking to close the gap at the summit.

Spain eye top spot against England

Spain head into Sunday’s encounter with a three-point advantage over England in League A Group 3 following their victory against the Czech Republic.

The result strengthened their position at the top of the standings and leaves them in control of the group heading into the final fixture.

De la Fuente’s side will secure first place with either a victory or a draw against England, while the visitors will need a win to have any chance of finishing above the Spaniards.

Both nations have already secured qualification for the Nations League quarter-finals, meaning Sunday’s meeting will determine their final group positions rather than their progression in the competition.

With Yamal and Oyarzabal expected back, Spain will have additional attacking resources as they seek to finish the group stage on a positive note against their European rivals.