Spain Welcomes Yamal and Nico Back to Training Ahead of World Cup

Spain’s first win of this World Cup has arrived early. Not on the scoreboard, but on the training pitch.

Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams both stepped back into full training on Thursday, easing the tension that had quietly been building around La Roja’s camp ahead of Monday’s opener against Cape Verde in Atlanta.

Two of the brightest stars of Euro 2024, the wingers were central to Spain’s surge to the continental title. They stretched defences, shredded full-backs, and gave Luis de la Fuente’s side a swagger out wide that few could live with. This season, though, their bodies have not always kept pace with their talent.

Yamal, Barcelona’s teenage phenomenon, had not played since suffering a hamstring injury on April 22. Every day of his absence has felt longer in Spain than anywhere else. When he limped off, he took with him a large slice of Spain’s attacking unpredictability.

On the other flank, Nico Williams has been wrestling with his own problems. The Athletic Bilbao winger missed the end of the club season and had been out for a month, a frustrating halt just when his game seemed to be accelerating again.

That is why Thursday mattered.

Both players trained with the group, moved freely, and – crucially – stayed out there. No early exits, no grimaces, no cautious half-steps. Just two elite wingers working their way back towards full speed.

“We know that both of them are coming back from important injuries,” right-back Pedro Porro told reporters, underlining the sense of relief more than celebration. “They are recovering, they are happy, they are with the group and that is the most important thing.”

De la Fuente has already tried to cool expectations. Earlier this week he made it clear he expected Yamal and Williams to be available to play some part against Cape Verde, but warned that a starting role for either was unlikely. Spain want them in the tournament, not just in the first game.

The plan, according to Spanish reports, is continuity. The coach is expected to stick with the XI that beat Peru 3-1 in Spain’s final warm-up friendly, a performance that offered enough control and incision to convince him there is no need for early risks.

That means Alex Baena and Ferran Torres are set to keep their places on the wings, deputising for the recovering stars. Both know this is more than a holding role. World Cups have a habit of turning “temporary cover” into tournament heroes.

Cape Verde in Atlanta is not the marquee fixture of the group on paper, but it is the sort of opener that shapes a campaign. Spain want rhythm, points, and no fresh injuries. They also want to be able to look to the bench and see Yamal and Williams as real options, not just names on a team sheet.

For now, Spain’s attack belongs to Baena and Ferran from the first whistle. But with Yamal and Nico back on the grass, the touchline suddenly looks a lot more dangerous again.