Barcelona star Lamine Yamal is set to feature for Spain on Sunday night, despite coming off with back discomfort on Thursday against Bulgaria. The 18-year-old star played a crucial role in their 3-0 win, creating havoc down the right, and providing assists for Marc Cucurella and Mikel Merino.

However in the second half, he was taken off, replaced by the debutant Jesus Rodriguez, and seemed to be complaining of a back issue. After the match, Spain manager Luis de la Fuente seemed optimistic that he would not be missing any game time as a result.

Back problem has been plagueing Lamine Yamal for a while

On Friday, Lamine Yamal missed training as a result, seemingly a precautionary measure – but all of the starters against Bulgaria did the same. However footage has emerged of the Barcelona superstar receiving physio treatment ahead of their clash with Rayo Vallecano last Sunday, suggesting that the discomfort has been there for longer than first acknowledged.

Lamine Yamal set for starting role against Turkiye

In the lead up to the Turkiye clash in Konya, de la Fuente noted that he and his staff would be paying close attention to his players’ performances in training and any knocks they had before making their selection choices. He also noted that Lamine Yamal would be available. As reported by MD on Saturday night, Lamine Yamal trained as normal on Saturday as La Roja prepared for their clash, suggesting that if all is as usual, he will start.

Lamine Yamal has huge backing in the Ballon d'Or race, with legends like Zidane, Ronaldinho, Van Basten, Gullit, Matthäus, Papin, Capello, Lineker among those praising him as the best. @xavimunyozMD, @sergisoleMD

— barcacentre (@barcacentre) September 7, 2025

The clash in Konya is arguably the most difficult of Spain’s World Cup qualifying campaign, and a win would put La Roja well on their way to the United States, Mexico and Canada. Amid the other selection dilemmas for de la Fuente are the number nine position, and whether to continue with Martin Zubimendi or reintroduce Rodri Hernandez.