New Faces in Spain's Squad for the UEFA Nations League

New Faces in Spain's Squad for the UEFA Nations League

Coach Luis de la Fuente called up several new players who were not included in the last squad to face the upcoming Nations League matches.

Defenders Pau Cubarsí and Pedro Porro, midfielders Mikel Merino and Álex Baena, along with captain Álvaro Morata, are the new additions selected by coach Luis de la Fuente for Spain’s Nations League matches against Denmark on October 12 in Murcia and Serbia on October 15.

De la Fuente is dealing with the absence of key players like Unai Simón in goal, Robin Le Normand in defense, Rodri Hernández and Gavi in midfield, as well as Dani Olmo and Ayoze Pérez in attack. He has also left out Pepelu from the squad, who was called up in August.

The coach has reinforced the right-back position with three players, due to Dani Carvajal’s suspension, which rules him out of the first game against Denmark. Oscar Mingueza remains in the squad after being a new addition in the last call-up, while Pedro Porro makes his return.

Young center-back Pau Cubarsí, who was left out of the Euros squad for Germany, is recalled following Robin Le Normand’s head injury sustained during Atlético Madrid’s match last Sunday. Le Normand has been resting since the Madrid derby.

Mikel Merino, who scored a historic goal at Euro 2024 to knock out host nation Germany in the quarter-finals, returns after recovering from a shoulder injury and making his debut with Arsenal. Álex Baena also comes back after being rested during the last international window, following a busy summer that included the European Championship and the Paris Olympics.

Álvaro Morata will wear the captain’s armband once again, gaining even more importance in the team with Rodri’s absence due to a season-ending knee injury. Morata, who missed the August call-up due to a thigh injury, is back, confirming his continuity in the squad after doubts arose during the Euro.

De la Fuente continues to place trust in forwards like Ferran Torres and Mikel Oyarzabal, despite their inconsistent form at Barcelona and Real Sociedad, respectively. Players like Bryan Zaragoza and Samu Omorodion, who were in great form and on the preliminary list, will have to wait for their chance.

Spain, who drew 0-0 in Serbia and won 4-1 in Switzerland in their first two Nations League games, will play their first home matches since being crowned European champions in Berlin this summer. They will face Denmark on Saturday, October 12, at the Roca Stadium in Murcia and Serbia three days later at the Nuevo Arcángel in Córdoba.

The 25 players will begin training on Monday, October 7, at the Ciudad del Fútbol in Las Rozas, and the team will travel to Murcia on Friday.

Luis de la Fuente’s squad includes:

Goalkeepers:

- David Raya (Arsenal/ENG)

- Álex Remiro (Real Sociedad)

- Robert Sánchez (Chelsea/ENG)

Defenders:

- Dani Carvajal (Real Madrid)

- Pedro Porro (Tottenham/ENG)

- Óscar Mingueza (Celta)

- Pau Cubarsí (Barcelona)

- Aymeric Laporte (Al-Nassr/KSA)