EAST RUTHERFORD, New Jersey, June 27. Spain winger Yeremy Pino is facing the prospect of missing the remainder of the World Cup after suffering a suspected broken collarbone during Saturday’s 1-0 victory over Uruguay.
The Crystal Palace player sustained the injury in the closing stages of the Group H encounter, falling awkwardly on his left shoulder following a challenge. Despite appearing in considerable pain, Pino completed the match because Spain had already made all of their permitted substitutions.
Head coach Luis de la Fuente, who had introduced Pino in the 66th minute, admitted the initial diagnosis was concerning.
“It looks like Yeremy may have broken his collarbone,” De la Fuente said. “Tomorrow they are going to do some tests and we will see how far the injury is.
“The man is suffering a lot and the effort he has made is tremendous, possibly with a broken collarbone to hold on until the end of the match. It has been heroic and I am very grateful, like all his team mates.”
A fractured collarbone would almost certainly rule the 23 year old out for the remainder of the tournament, just as Spain prepare for the knockout stages. The injury is a significant blow for La Roja, who have relied on Pino’s pace and creativity from the flanks in their group stage campaign.
Spain’s knockout path
Spain topped Group H with seven points, securing a Round of 32 tie next Thursday in Los Angeles against either Austria or Algeria. De la Fuente will hope the injury is not as severe as first feared, but the early indications suggest Spain must plan without one of their key attacking options.
Pino’s absence would open the door for others to step into the starting lineup as Spain pursue a fourth World Cup title. The winger’s heroic effort to finish the match despite the injury will not be forgotten by his team mates, but the immediate concern now is the extent of the damage and whether Spain can maintain their momentum without him.
