# Lamine Yamal Faces Fitness Test Before Spain's Clash With England Coach Luis de la Fuente remains optimistic about Yamal's availability for the Nations League match. - **Source:** [Asharq Al-Awsat](https://aawsat.com) - **Published:** 2026-11-11 - **Topic:** [sports](https://brifing.si/c/sports) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/064487db-0ee9-4bdf-b9d1-aa92761ae5fa ## Yamal's Injury Status Barcelona winger Lamine Yamal is currently sidelined with knee inflammation and fluid accumulation. The 19-year-old sustained the injury during his recent appearance against Atletico Madrid. Consequently, he will miss Spain's upcoming match against the Czech Republic in Prague, as medical staff prioritize his recovery before the high-stakes encounter against England. ## Optimism for Sunday Spain coach Luis de la Fuente expressed optimism regarding Yamal's potential return for Sunday's match in Madrid. The player is undergoing a specialized recovery program with club physiotherapists. De la Fuente expects the young winger to rejoin the national squad by Friday, provided the current positive indicators of his physical progress continue. ## Medical Coordination The decision to keep Yamal in Barcelona was a collaborative effort between the national team and club medical departments. De la Fuente emphasized that avoiding unnecessary travel was crucial to ensure the player's health. This proactive approach aims to prevent further aggravation of the knee issue while maintaining clear communication between medical teams. ## No Special Treatment De la Fuente firmly rejected claims that Yamal receives preferential treatment despite his recent third-place finish in the Ballon d'Or voting. The coach stated that all players are treated equally under the same protocols. He noted that his teammates understand this policy, as the staff applies identical standards to every member of the squad. ## Spain's Unbeaten Streak The Spanish national team currently boasts an impressive 43-match unbeaten streak in official competitions. De la Fuente views this record as a significant motivator for his players. The team is eager to extend this run to 44 matches, viewing each game as an opportunity to set new historical milestones for the national program. ## Mikel Merino's Role Arsenal midfielder Mikel Merino remains a key tactical asset for Spain, often serving as an impactful substitute. Despite his desire to start, Merino publicly stated his respect for the coach's decisions. He emphasized that every player wants to contribute meaningfully, regardless of whether they begin the match on the pitch or the bench. ## England's Harry Kane Milestone England prepares to honor captain Harry Kane for his record-breaking 126th international appearance. The ceremony will take place at Wembley Stadium before the match against Croatia. Kane will also showcase his recent Ballon d'Or trophy to the home crowd, marking a historic moment for English football as he continues to lead the national team. ## Broader Nations League Context The Nations League continues with significant developments across Europe, including France calling up PSG's Senny Mayulu to replace the injured Aurelien Tchouameni. Meanwhile, England aims to secure its group standing against Croatia, and Spain looks to maintain its momentum. These matches are critical for teams finalizing their positions before the upcoming quarter-final stages. ## Sources covering this story - https://aawsat.com/node/5340255 — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._