The first training session after reaching a World Cup final is meant to be a moment of controlled focus. For Spain, gathered at the New York Red Bulls’ facility in New Jersey on Thursday, it instead produced images that ricocheted through the country’s media: Lamine Yamal, the 19-year-old prodigy, working alone on a mat with a compression bandage wrapped around his left thigh, while right-back Pedro Porro followed a separate rehabilitation routine. Both had been instrumental in the 2-0 semi-final victory over France, but the physical cost of that night in Dallas was now on full display.

The origins of the concern trace directly to the semi-final. Yamal absorbed a heavy challenge from Lucas Digne that won the penalty for Spain’s opening goal, and he later landed awkwardly, aggravating a thigh that had already suffered a grade-two biceps femoris tear in April. Porro, who scored the second goal and spent 90 minutes tracking Kylian Mbappé, was substituted late with muscle fatigue. Spanish reporters noted that Yamal limped out of the stadium and that both players reported increased soreness once the adrenaline faded. The coaching staff, led by Luis de la Fuente, opted to keep them out of the main group as a load-management measure, with physiotherapists working to reduce inflammation.

Viewed from Madrid, the federation’s message was one of calm. De la Fuente told media that Yamal ‘has nothing serious’ and that both players are expected to rejoin full training on Friday. Argentine outlets, monitoring the situation from Buenos Aires, highlighted the alarm in Spanish headlines but also relayed the official confidence that the duo will start the final. In Brazil and Germany, coverage framed the separate sessions as a precaution typical of modern tournament management, noting that Yamal has been carefully handled since arriving at the World Cup still regaining match fitness. The player himself has logged 496 minutes across the tournament, starting every knockout match, while Porro has contributed 444 minutes and two goals.

The final against Argentina on Sunday at MetLife Stadium carries enormous weight. Lionel Messi, at 39, seeks to become the first captain since Brazil in 1962 to lead his nation to back-to-back World Cup titles; Spain aims to reclaim the trophy for the first time since 2010. Both teams have two more training sessions to fine-tune preparations. For Spain, the immediate priority is to see Yamal and Porro reintegrate with the squad, a step that would quiet the unease and restore focus to the tactical duel ahead.