Spain boosted as Lamine Yamal returns for Austria World Cup clash

Spain have yet to hit top form in the tournament. They opened with a draw against Cape Verde, edged Uruguay by a single goal and produced their best display in a convincing 4-0 victory over Saudi Arabia.

Despite those mixed performances, De la Fuente said he had seen clear signs of progress during training this week and believed his players were ready to improve when it mattered most.

"What I am seeing this week is that the team is beginning to recognise" the areas that need improving, the Spain coach told reporters.

The biggest boost comes from the availability of Yamal, whose minutes have been carefully managed after he suffered a hamstring injury in April. De la Fuente confirmed the Barcelona youngster is now ready to play for as long as the match requires.

Yeremy Pino has also recovered from a left shoulder sprain, while Victor Munoz is back after overcoming a muscle injury, although the midfielder has not played competitively for some time.

Spain entered the tournament among the favourites, but their inconsistent start has increased the pressure on the squad. De la Fuente, however, insisted he welcomed the expectations placed on his players.

"I love that it is demanded of us, because a lot is expected of us and what we have to do is respond to that expectation," he said.

There were encouraging signs at Wednesday's training session, with Yamal relaxed and smiling as he joked with teammates, reflecting the positive mood in the Spain camp before the knockout encounter.

Although De la Fuente revealed he had already decided on his starting line-up, he refused to give any clues about his selection, keeping Austria guessing ahead of a crucial place in the last 16.