Spain World Cup Squad Announcement
Lamine Yamal, who became Spain's youngest player and goalscorer at 16 years and 57 days in 2023, has been named in Spain's World Cup squad despite being injured. Notably, this squad does not include any players from Real Madrid for the first time.
The 18-year-old forward missed the final month of the season after suffering a left hamstring tear while playing for Barcelona on 22 April. Real Madrid defenders Dean Huijsen and Dani Carvajal were also omitted from the squad.
"I don't look at one club or another. I don't have that local bias a fan might have. For me, it's more global," said Spain coach Luis de la Fuente. "The only thing I want is for these footballers to feel proud of representing the national team."
This season, Real Madrid did not secure any trophies and finished eight points behind La Liga champions Barcelona.
Athletic Bilbao winger Nico Williams, who has been managing a hamstring injury, is also included in the 26-man squad.
"We're very relaxed. Barring any setbacks, we'll have everyone available from the very first match," De la Fuente added.
The World Cup is scheduled to take place from 11 June to 19 July. Spain will face debutants Cape Verde on 15 June, Saudi Arabia on 21 June, and Uruguay on 26 June in Group H.
Midfielder Mikel Merino, who returned in Arsenal's final Premier League game of the season after a four-month absence due to a stress fracture in his foot, has been selected for the squad. He is among seven Premier League players chosen, alongside clubmates David Raya and Martin Zubimendi, Tottenham's Pedro Porro, Chelsea's Marc Cucurella, Manchester City's Rodri, and Crystal Palace's Yeremy Pino.
Uncapped defenders Eric Garcia and Marc Pubill have been called up following impressive performances for Barcelona and Atletico Madrid, respectively.
"Excitement is the key word. Passion," said De la Fuente. "The reaction of people all over Spain - adults and children alike - is that they are fully behind the national team."
Barcelona midfielder Fermin Lopez was ruled out of the tournament last week due to a broken foot.
Spain World Cup Squad
Goalkeepers: Unai Simon (Athletic Bilbao), David Raya (Arsenal), Joan Garcia (Barcelona).
Defenders: Marcos Llorente (Atletico Madrid), Marc Pubill (Atletico Madrid), Pedro Porro (Tottenham), Aymeric Laporte (Athletic Bilbao), Eric Garcia (Barcelona), Pau Cubarsi (Barcelona), Marc Cucurella (Chelsea), Alejandro Grimaldo (Bayer Leverkusen).
Midfielders: Rodri (Manchester City), Martin Zubimendi (Arsenal), Mikel Merino (Arsenal), Pedri (Barcelona), Gavi (Barcelona), Fabian Ruiz (Paris St-Germain), Alex Baena (Atletico Madrid).
Forwards: Yeremy Pino (Crystal Palace), Victor Munoz (Osasuna), Mikel Oyarzabal (Real Sociedad), Ferran Torres (Barcelona), Lamine Yamal (Barcelona), Dani Olmo (Barcelona), Nico Williams (Athletic Bilbao), Borja Iglesias (Celta Vigo).
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