'I'm optimistic' - De la Fuente backs Yamal to face England in Nations League

The Barcelona winger will miss Spain's visit to the Czech Republic on Thursday after experiencing discomfort in his knee during Sunday's 2-1 La Liga victory over Atletico Madrid.

Scans in Barcelona revealed inflammation and fluid in the knee, prompting Spain's medical team to recommend rest rather than risk aggravating the problem.

"He got hurt in the last match, he had some discomfort in one knee. He went for the usual treatment: a scan in Barcelona, and they saw he had inflammation and fluid in the knee - that meant he needed rest," De la Fuente explained.

The Spain coach said he had agreed with Barcelona's medical staff that Yamal should not travel to Prague, but was encouraged by the winger's progress.

"He's doing a series of exercises with his physio and with the club that indicate the recovery is going well," he said.

"We believe, I'm optimistic, that on Friday he'll be with us."

Yamal, who finished third in the October Ballon d'Or voting, has become one of Spain's most important players, but De la Fuente insisted he receives no special treatment.

"He has no privileges, and his teammates are relaxed about it, because we treat everyone the same," the coach added.

"In similar situations we would have done exactly the same for any other player, and the players know that."

Spain have already secured qualification for the Nations League quarter-finals after winning all four of their Group A3 matches.

De la Fuente's side are also unbeaten in their last 43 competitive matches, and the coach is determined to extend that impressive run.

"We want to keep setting new milestones, and this is another one," he said.

"Having reached 43, you think, my goodness, we want to get to 44, of course we do."

Meanwhile, Mikel Merino is happy to accept his role in the Spain squad, despite wanting more opportunities to start.

The Arsenal midfielder has proved particularly effective coming off the bench, scoring important goals against Portugal and Belgium during the World Cup before netting twice in Spain's previous outing against Croatia.

Merino admitted he would prefer more playing time but stressed that he respects De la Fuente's decisions.

"Of course, what player wouldn't like to get more minutes?" he said.

"You'll never hear me complain about the coach's decision, I will respect it, but all players want to be important, have minutes and enjoy themselves on the pitch."