Spain coach Luis de la Fuente initially didn't want to say whether Lamine Yamal would against Saudi Arabia, but eventually hinted that the 18-year-old talent might be in the starting line-up for the second group stage match at the World Cup.
"We're seeing the real Lamine Yamal, his finesse. Playing time is just a number, 55, 58, 63 (minutes), we'll see," he said in a news conference on Saturday.
Yamal is nursing a hamstring injury and recently said he doesn't feel fit enough to play a full game.
After a goalless draw in their opener against underdogs Cape Verde, the European champions must deliver in their second match.
"We have to win. That's all there is to it. But we're not nervous, not afraid. We're a bit shaken, but maybe that will motivate us," De la Fuente said.
De la Fuente didn't seem to take notice of the criticism from back home after the performance against Cape Verde.
"We live in a bubble. I don't know what's being said," he said, adding that he respects all opinions.
The coach will also celebrate his birthday on Sunday and he has two wishes: "A new sweater," he said with a grin before adding: "The best gift is a good game without injuries, one that we'll hopefully win."
