There are no Real Madrid players in the Spain squad, though, with Dani Carvajal injured, while Nacho and Joselu have both since departed Bernabeu, although neither are in the plans of head coach De la Fuente moving forward.
Gavi is a notable absentee, especially with the midfielder now back to fitness after a lengthy absence, and De la Fuente explained why the Barcelona star had not been selected during his press conference.
“Gavi is in the natural process. He was injured a year ago. His progress is exceptional. He is full of energy. The club is doing spectacularly well,” said De la Fuente. “We are looking forward to seeing him well and seeing him safe, even more so. For the national team, it is very important. We are meeting deadlines.”
Pau Cubarsi has also been left out, with De la Fuente claiming that the 17-year-old needs time to recover from the severe facial injury that he suffered during Barcelona’s Champions League clash with Red Star Belgrade.
“He had a significant wound, with nine stitches and very deep. We always take care of our players. Pau has to have a few days until the wound heals. We must not take any risks,” said the national team head coach.
However, it is understood that Barcelona are planning to have Cubarsi available for Sunday’s La Liga game against Real Sociedad, with the centre-back likely to take to the field in a mask.
Which other players are notable absentees?
Unai Simon, Robin Le Normand and Rodri are among those that could not be selected due to injury problems, but Inigo Martinez has been overlooked despite his strong form for Barcelona this season.
“Nothing has been done haphazardly. Everything is done for a reason. We always think about what is best for the team,” said De la Fuente when asked about Martinez. “You will miss Inigo, but Aitor is having an exceptional campaign. It was time to see him in this challenge.”
Spain are top of Group 4 of League A and have already secured their spot in the quarter-finals of the competition.
Full Spain squad
Goalkeepers: David Raya, Alex Remiro, Robert Sanchez
Defenders: Pedro Porro, Oscar Mingueza, Daniel Vivian, Aymeric Laporte, Pau Torres, Marc Cucurella, Alejandro Grimaldo, Aitor Paredes
Midfielders: Mikel Merino, Martin Zubimendi, Fabian Ruiz, Pedri, Dani Olmo, Alex Baena, Marc Casado
Forwards: Alvaro Morata, Lamine Yamal, Nico Williams, Yeremy Pino, Mikel Oyarzabal, Ayoze Perez, Samu Omorodion, Bryan Zaragoza
