Lamin Jamal insists on attending the World Cup.

Spanish national team star Lamine Yamal admitted today, Sunday, that he was "afraid" of missing the World Cup due to a hamstring injury he is still recovering from.

The 18-year-old player sustained the injury while scoring a penalty for Barcelona against Celta Vigo on April 22, as part of La Liga.

The winger told the media affiliated with the Spanish Football Federation: "Inside, I was hoping it wasn't serious, that it was just a muscle strain or something similar, because the World Cup was very close, and I knew that a hamstring injury is never a short-term issue" in terms of recovery time.

He added: "I was afraid that the injury would be serious, and on top of that, even if it wasn't serious, I was worried about suffering a setback and ending up missing the World Cup."

Spain's coach, Luis de la Fuente, hopes to rely on him for "La Roja's" opening match in the World Cup against Cape Verde on June 15.

The player only participated in warm-ups with his teammates during Spain's first training session today, before heading to work in the gym.

Yamal added: "Knowing that you will participate in the World Cup also helps you mentally; it feels like you haven't played any matches all season, and I am very excited to make my first appearance (in the tournament)."

The player, who shone in Spain's victory at the Euro 2024 in Germany, stated that the World Cup is the "biggest thing" in football, and it is a dream to lift the trophy "a thousand times."

If Yamal does not participate in the first match, he is expected to play against Saudi Arabia in the second match on June 21, and then against Uruguay on the 27th of the same month, as part of Group H.