Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams to skip Peru friendly but expected to be fit for World Cup opener

The 18-year-old Yamal has been dealing with groin problems and a hamstring issue sustained in April, while Williams and Munoz have likewise been recuperating from injuries.

Instead of travelling with the team for Monday's last warm-up game against Peru, the three players stayed at Spain's training camp in Chattanooga, Tennessee, to carry on with their recovery.

"Provided there are no further issues in the next few days, we anticipate that they will be available on the 15th," De la Fuente stated to journalists.

"I believe all three will be able to feature in the match."

When questioned if the players might be prepared to start versus Cape Verde, De la Fuente was more guarded.

"All three are progressing as per the anticipated schedules to be in good shape for June 15," he added.

"The crucial aspect is that those schedules are being adhered to and will continue to be so, enabling them to join us and be eligible for selection during the game."

Spain take on Peru in Puebla before journeying to Atlanta for their first World Cup fixture, and De la Fuente insisted they would not underestimate their adversaries.

"For us, this is a highly significant match," the Spanish boss remarked. "We are not treating it merely as a warm-up."

Spain enter the World Cup as one of the frontrunners following their Euro 2024 victory, with a Goldman Sachs model awarding them a competition-best 26% probability of winning the title.

Striker Yeremy Pino stated that Spain were welcoming the pressure of expectation.

"Being labelled as favourites is natural," Pino commented. "We have experienced some excellent years and we bear that with great pride.

"Pressure ought not to cause us to perform worse. It should drive us to improve and play more effectively."