De la Fuente keeps Lamine Yamal decision under wraps for Czech Republic match

Spain manager Luis de la Fuente has declined to say whether Lamine Yamal will start against the Czech Republic tonight, with the Barcelona winger’s workload being assessed after a demanding international break.

Yamal has been among Spain’s most influential players during the current period of international fixtures. The 19-year-old began the matches against England and Croatia, scoring three times and supplying one assist across the two games.

He completed the entire 90 minutes in the victory over England, but was taken off after 68 minutes against Croatia. That has left De la Fuente to weigh up how best to use him in Spain’s next UEFA Nations League fixture.

Asked directly if Yamal would be named in the starting XI, De la Fuente refused to confirm his selection plans.

“We’ll field the best team for tomorrow’s match. We’ve got it in mind, but we’ll put the finishing touches to it tonight,” he told reporters.

The Spain boss said Yamal’s influence was not limited to starting matches, suggesting the winger could be decisive whenever he is introduced.

“He’s important at any stage of the match – whether from the start, or from the 60th or 45th minute,” De la Fuente said.

“It’s no more or less difficult to leave him out. When we pick him, it’s because he’s effective for the team.”

De la Fuente also praised the teenager’s progress, highlighting what he sees as an increasing level of maturity both on and off the pitch.

“It’s a pleasure to watch him; he’s maturing every day. He reads all situations, even those outside the match itself. That’s brilliant news,” he added.

Barcelona schedule adds to workload concern

Yamal’s minutes will also be monitored by Barcelona, who face a busy run of fixtures when the international break ends.

The club are scheduled to play five matches in 15 days from October 10. That sequence includes a Champions League meeting with Paris Saint-Germain and El Clasico against Real Madrid at Spotify Camp Nou.

Having already played a prominent role for Spain, the decision over Yamal’s involvement against the Czech Republic could prove significant before Barcelona begin that demanding spell.

Barcelona’s next La Liga match is against Getafe at Spotify Camp Nou on Saturday, October 10.