The World Cup is in focus. Could a drama be unfolding for Spain's star, Lamine Yamal?

Furthermore, Yamal may not only miss the opening match; according to The Athletic, the 18-year-old is also doubtful for the second group game against Saudi Arabia on 21 June.

The teenager tore his thigh muscle while taking a penalty in Barça's 1-0 league win over Celta Vigo at the end of April, an injury that has already kept him sidelined for the club's season finale. He missed Barça's season finale, and The Athletic reports that the Spanish Football Federation, the club and the player are in close dialogue. Members of the national team's medical staff are said to be travelling to Barcelona regularly to oversee the teenager's rehabilitation.

La Furia Roja hopes to have Yamal back on the pitch for the final group-stage clash against Uruguay on 26 June. Losing the Barcelona star for the knockouts in the USA, Mexico and Canada would be a major blow to Spain's title hopes.

With Yamal at full fitness, the European champions are among the outright favourites for the World Cup. Even at the successful European Championship two years ago, when Spain defeated England in the final, Yamal—who was just 16 for most of the tournament—played a decisive role.

He has 25 caps and six goals to his name, yet he sat out four of Spain's six qualifiers because of injury.