High spirits abound in Chattanooga as both Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams endured the usual line of playful slaps given to players rejoining the group. As things stand, Víctor Muñoz is the only injury concern as he is still hampered by muscle problems. Coach Luis de la Fuente now has all players available as he promised ahead of Monday’s Group H debut against Cape Verde.

Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams both benefited from not traveling to Puebla (for the recent friendly against Peru) and have accelerated their recovery in recent days. In fact, while the team rested, the two were practising shots on goal this Wednesday — apparently with good sensations from both players.

As Spanish national team assistant Aitor Karanka said, everything now depends on what the team doctors and Luis de la Fuente decide. If it were up to the players, who are pushing to play, there would be no doubt.

The key for all concerned now is to ensure that there will be no risk of relapse for either individual. Lamine tore his hamstring (biceps femoris) on April 22 against Celta, just a month and a half ago. Nico suffered an injury to the hamstring of his left leg on May 10. The Athletic winger was, theoretically, ahead in recovery, but Lamine has shortened the timelines. Now, fingers crossed there is no setback in a process that is nearing its end and that looks set to culminate with both making their 2026 World Cup debut in Atlanta.

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