Lamine Yamal has admitted he feared his World Cup dream was slipping away after suffering a hamstring injury, revealing that he prayed he would recover in time to take part.

The Barcelona and Spain winger was struck by anxiety at the prospect of missing the tournament, a reflection of just how much the competition means to him at this stage of his career.

Yamal's candid admission underlines the mental burden elite players carry when serious injuries threaten to sideline them at the worst possible moment — with a World Cup on the horizon.

The young forward did not hide his relief at the prospect of returning to fitness, making clear that missing the tournament was something he was unwilling to accept without a fight.