MADRID, June 8 (Xinhua) -- Spain coach Luis de la Fuente remains confident that injured trio of Lamine Yamal, Nico Williams and Victor Munoz will be fit in time to start his side's FIFA World Cup campaign.
De la Fuente was speaking to the press ahead of his side's friendly against Peru in the Mexican city of Puebla, which is the final chance to make adjustments ahead of his side's World Cup opener against Cabo Verde in Atlanta on June 15.
De la Fuente left Williams, Munoz and Yamal at Spain's base in Chattanooga to continue their return to fitness, but insisted they were "meeting their recovery deadlines."
"They were scheduled to do more specific work these next few days and if they continue progressing this way, I think they'll be available [against Cabo Verde]," he said.
Yamal and Williams have hamstring problems, while Munoz has a calf strain.
"Each one had their own process. Lamine's injury was different, as was its duration. But the most important thing is that, within the expected timeframe, he's currently fit to be included in the squad," De la Fuente insisted.
Yamal, Williams and Munoz all play on the wing, but even if they aren't fit for the opening game, De la Fuente said he had players in the squad who could provide cover.
"We have other options. There are different styles, and we'll see how the week goes," the coach said, adding that the Peru game would see him field a more recognizable team than the one that drew 1-1 with Iraq last Thursday.
"I have a plan for how to start the World Cup if there are no adverse circumstances. Football can always surprise you, but I won't reveal the lineup," he concluded. ■
