Luis de la Fuente, the manager of the Spanish national football team, recently unveiled his squad for the upcoming World Cup, with FC Barcelona contributing the highest number of players. Notable inclusions range from established talents like Lamine Yamal and Pedri to emerging stars such as Pau Cubarsi, Dani Olmo, and Ferran Torres, alongside Gavi, Joan Garcia, and Eric Garcia.
Gavi’s selection garnered significant attention, particularly given his recent return from injury. Conversely, Lamine Yamal, also currently managing an injury, was included with expectations for his swift recovery.
During a recent interview, de la Fuente addressed his squad choices and the condition of specific players. He confirmed the selection of eight Barcelona players and elaborated on his decision to include some players who are presently injured, expressing confidence in their prompt recovery before the tournament begins.
“Our relationship, not only with Barça but with all clubs, is very close. The situation of these players (Lamine, Mikel Merino, Nico Williams) is good considering the stage of their recovery processes,” de la Fuente stated. He added, “I think all of them will be available for the first match, but it will be evaluated whether it is worthwhile for them to play that game, not because of injury risk, but because our outlook goes beyond the second or third match.”
The manager also explained the call-up of Eric Garcia, who had not featured in recent national squads. He highlighted Garcia’s long-standing involvement with him through the under-19, under-21, and Olympic teams, attributing previous absences to various reasons, including injuries at critical times or squad depth.
De la Fuente specifically discussed Lamine Yamal, underscoring the excitement surrounding his participation as a key player. He emphasized Yamal’s exceptional potential and talent, while also touching upon the external focus on his personal life. “He is a player with potential and talent far above average,” de la Fuente remarked. “People usually focus on the more frivolous side of him, but an 18-year-old boy who trains, who has nutritionists, who takes care of himself… how is he not going to go to a party once in a while? But let’s not focus on that.”
Describing Yamal’s mindset, de la Fuente noted, “[He] is very excited. He really wants to, he is 18 years old but he is very mature and he knows that in life you have to take advantage of the moments. You don’t know if you’re going to make it to the next World Cup, it’s been four years and this is your moment.” He further praised Yamal’s quality, affirming that his impact will be amplified by the talent surrounding him in the squad.
