Spain boss Luis de la Fuente hints at Lamine Yamal rest against Czech Republic

Spain manager Luis de la Fuente has suggested Lamine Yamal could start on the bench against the Czech Republic in the third round of the Nations League.

De la Fuente refused to confirm his starting line-up for Saturday’s match at Carlos Tartiere during his news conference on Friday, with a demanding schedule and a growing injury list influencing his selection. Ferran Torres was the latest player to withdraw from the squad.

“The disadvantage of this system and this schedule is the limited time available for recovery,” said De la Fuente. “If a player feels any problem, we prefer to prioritise the player’s health. We want him to be in excellent physical condition.”

The Spain manager also explained that rotation would be based on each player’s fitness rather than a fixed plan.

“When we talk about rotation, we are summarising one reality: choosing the players who are in the best physical condition for each position,” he said. “The goalkeeper’s position is more stable, but the other positions can change.”

Asked directly whether Yamal would feature, De la Fuente gave a firm response but stopped short of confirming that the Barcelona forward would start.

“We will select the line-up that is best suited to winning the match,” he said. “Lamine did not complete 90 minutes with these circumstances in mind, like some of his team-mates.”

Although his comments indicated that Yamal could be rested, De la Fuente stressed the teenager’s importance to Spain, whether he begins the match or comes on later.

“Lamine is an important player at any time, whether he starts or comes on as a substitute in the 60th or 45th minute,” he said. “His presence does not affect his performance. We believe he will be more effective during the minutes he plays.”

De la Fuente also praised Yamal’s progress and maturity.

“We see him maturing day by day,” he said. “He is an enjoyable player to watch, he understands every situation better and accepts any suggestion. It is wonderful news.”

The Spain manager also discussed Czech Republic coach Santi Denia and said the two sides were familiar with one another.

“We know each other well, but it is the players who change the way a game is played,” said De la Fuente. “The Czech Republic are an extremely difficult opponent and can be a trap for anyone who does not know them, but not for us.”

He added: “We have many different tactics, and it is not easy to defend against us.”