The first signs appeared when he was seen clutching his thigh after a coming-together with Mbappe in the later stages of the match. However, the teenager did not require any medical attention and was able to complete the game.

Nonetheless, his pronounced limp after the game raised alarm bells.

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With Lamine not participating in training today and his thigh being heavily strapped, there is bound to be some worry in the Spain camp over his fitness ahead of the all-important World Cup final.

It must be remembered that Lamine came to the tournament carrying a hamstring injury, which led to him missing the final stretch of the season with Barcelona.

Expected to be ready

However, journalist Alfredo Martinez is reporting that, as things stand, there is a firm belief that Lamine will be ready for the showpiece event against Argentina come Sunday in New Jersey.

Chasing their second World Cup triumph, the Spanish national team will be looking at Lamine for inspiration when they lock horns with Messi & co. in a few days.

Lamine did not train today. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

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Owing to the hamstring injury, the Barcelona wonderkid started off slowly at the tournament but has steadily grown with each game and is starting to find his best form.

While he may not have scored or assisted a lot of goals, Lamine’s influence has evidently grown for Spain, particularly in the knockout stages of the competition.

Against France on Tuesday, the 19-year-old gem won the penalty that led to Mikel Oyarzabal’s opening goal and was a constant threat with his dribbling and creativity. He even had a goal ruled out for a marginal offside call.

With the final only a few days away, it is understandable that Luis de la Fuente & co. do not wish to take any risks with Lamine’s fitness. But, for now, the belief is that he will be ready to face Argentina at the weekend despite not training today.