Why is Lamine Yamal Not Playing in Spain vs Iraq International Friendly?

Spain are set to play their first international friendly leading up to the World Cup against Iraq at the home ground of Deportivo de La Coruña. However, the question that is on everyone's lips is 'Is Lamine Yamal playing in Spain vs Iraq?'

Well, there's indeed some bad news for the fans. The Barcelona starlet will not be featuring in this game as he is still nursing the left hamstring injury he sustained in a league match, which forced him to end his season abruptly.

One of the best players in the world currently, Lamine Yamal, produced a great season for FC Barcelona, where he bagged 27 G/A in the domestic league only. In the Champions League, he scored six goals and provided four assists, but failed to help his team qualify for the semifinals.

Although he secured the La Liga and the Spanish Super Cup for his team, the ending to his season wasn't the one he would have really liked, given the number of days left for the biggest footballing event.

In this article, we look for the answers regarding ‘Is Lamine Yamal playing today?’ and if not, what is the reason, along with details of when he will return.

Yamal To Miss Iraq Friendly

By now, you have got your answer about 'Is Lamine Yamal playing in Spain vs Iraq?' Now let's look at the information around it. Barcelona superstar Lamine Yamal recently confirmed, while speaking to the media, that he was really concerned regarding his chances of participation in the tournament after suffering a muscle injury.

Nevertheless, the Spanish coach, Luis de la Fuente, has now spoken up on the youngster's condition. He stated that Yamal is still not ready to participate in the upcoming friendly games, but his recovery process is going as expected.

De La Fuente also mentioned that the medical team is keeping tabs at all times and wants to have the player at optimum fitness conditions in order to avoid recurrence of the problems in the World Cup.

It's just not Lamine Yamal; players like Pedri, Nico Williams, and ten other players, including the ones that featured in the recent UEFA Champions League final will not be available for this game against the Iraq national football team.

When will Yamal Return To Action?

De la Fuente provided an update regarding when Yamal will be fit to play in the upcoming World Cup. The Spaniard mentioned that, according to the progress he is making, the youngster might be available for Spain's first game against Cape Verde in the group stages.

However, he cautioned that Yamal might not start the game and get a few minutes instead, depending on the condition he is arriving in.

Lamine Yamal is for sure one of the best players for Spain, and he needs to stay fit if the Spain national football team want to go all the way. He is the kind of player who creates something out of thin air, creating moments of magic unannounced. And we all know that the World Cup is decided on these moments of magic.

Check out the Spain lineup against Iraq below:

Joan García; Porro, Laporte, Jon Martín, Grimaldo; Bernal, Gavi, Olmo; Ferran, Baena, Borja Iglesias.