"He is available but not to start the game. He is in perfect condition to play some minutes," De la Fuente told a press conference on Sunday.

Wingers Nico Williams and Victor Munoz are also fit enough only for a place on the bench, limiting De La Fuente's options in wide areas.

"They are fine to play without setting them back. If it was not like that they would not even sit on the bench," added De la Fuente.

Despite limited expectations pre-tournament, La Roja stormed to victory at Euro 2024, beating hosts Germany, France and England in the latter stages.

This time they are considered among the favourites to win a second FIFA World Cup.

De la Fuente did little to quell expectation as he talked his players up as the best squad in the tournament.

"For me, with all due respect to the rest, it is the best team in the world. The best players," he said. "To see the level of footballers we have, you only have to see the ones I leave out.

"But the players understand their role and accept it. That is the luck this team has."

After facing tournament debutants Cape Verde, Spain will also take on Saudi Arabia and Uruguay in Group H.

Source: AFP