Spain head coach Luis de la Fuente has confirmed that teenage star Lamine Yamal is fully fit and available to play a complete match if required ahead of Spain's FIFA World Cup Round of 32 clash against Austria. Speaking before Thursday's knockout encounter at SoFi Stadium, the coach said the 18-year-old winger has recovered well from the hamstring injury that had limited his playing time during the group stage. Spain will be looking to continue its impressive tournament run and secure its first World Cup knockout victory since lifting the trophy in 2010.

Yamal has featured in all three group-stage matches but has played only 141 minutes as Spain carefully managed his workload following the hamstring tear he suffered in April. The Barcelona winger has scored one goal so far in the tournament, finding the net during Spain's victory over Saudi Arabia after making a substitute appearance in the opening goalless draw against Cape Verde. He also featured for 76 minutes in the win over Uruguay as Spain completed the group stage without conceding a goal.

Addressing the media, De la Fuente said the coaching staff had taken a cautious approach with Yamal's recovery while monitoring his physical condition throughout the competition. He added that the young forward is now capable of playing as long as the team requires and praised his eagerness to return to full action. However, the Spain coach stopped short of confirming whether Yamal would start against Austria, saying the final decision would be made closer to kick-off.

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Spain also received encouraging news on the injury front with Yerémy Pino declared fit after recovering from a shoulder injury sustained against Uruguay. Victor Muñoz is also available after missing the group stage due to a muscular problem, although De la Fuente indicated the Liverpool winger may not immediately return to the starting lineup because of his lengthy absence from competitive action. Meanwhile, Nico Williams is expected to miss the Austria match, though the coach said the winger's groin injury has improved and he could return if Spain progress further.

Despite Yamal's limited minutes, the teenager remains one of Spain's biggest attacking threats after an outstanding club season with Barcelona, where he registered 24 goals and 17 assists across all competitions. The youngster has expressed his desire to make a greater impact at the World Cup alongside several of football's biggest stars, including Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappé, Harry Kane, Erling Haaland and Vinícius Júnior, who have all enjoyed strong tournaments.

Spain enter the knockout stage in confident form after finishing the group phase without conceding a goal. De la Fuente has overseen a successful period for La Roja, guiding the team to the 2023 UEFA Nations League title and the 2024 UEFA European Championship while losing only two of his 45 matches in charge. With several key players returning to full fitness, Spain will aim to maintain its defensive solidity and begin its knockout campaign with a victory over Austria.

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