Luis de la Fuente expects Lamine Yamal to be fit for Spain's UEFA Nations League opener

Thursday, Spain begin the defense of their UEFA Nations League title. La Roja travel to Belgrade to face Serbia, aiming to start their 2024-25 campaign strong.

It has been a golden 15 months for Spanish football at international level, and the senior men's team are coming off their success at Euro 2024. Luis de la Fuente, when speaking to the media on Wednesday (via AS Diary), revealed how he sees this next cycle for his team.

“We want to continue to improve, grow, incorporate new players and records. And we want to continue to be the best. The competition is different every time, the rivals grow a lot and playing against Spain is another motivation. The only way to to grow is to keep taking steps forward. We have to keep making things much better.”

It has been revealed in recent days that Lamine Yamal is struggling with discomfort suffered during Barcelona's win over Real Valladolid last Saturday, which has put him in doubt to face Serbia. However, de la Fuente expects to count with him.

“The discomfort is a blow, nothing more. We don't look anymore. I saw him calm, he is a very calm child, a young man who is very mature for his age. With us he behaves like a more mature person than his age. Let's pass on that calmness. He needs to get used to the attention on him, but he's ready to get away with it and will continue to grow and mature.