De la Fuente's World Cup Warm-Up Squad: Carvajal Axed, Garcia Gets Shock Call-Up!
Spain boss Luis de la Fuente has unveiled his squad for March friendlies against Serbia and Egypt, the last before the 2026 World Cup, with Barcelona's Joan Garcia earning a debut call-up and Real Madrid's Dani Carvajal surprisingly omitted due to injuries. Other highlights include returns for Carlos Soler and Yeremy Pino, alongside fresh caps for Victor Munoz and Cristhian Mosquera, while injuries sideline key midfielders like Mikel Merino. As reported by Football Espana at OneFootball, it's a squad blending youth, experience, and gambles.
De la Fuente's World Cup Warm-Up Squad: Carvajal Axed, Garcia Gets Shock Call-Up!
Picture this: you're nursing a pint, scrolling through your phone, and bam – Spain's gaffer Luis de la Fuente drops his squad for the final friendlies before the 2026 World Cup in the US, Mexico and Canada. No messing about, he's thrown in some curveballs that have fans proper buzzing (and a few Madridistas fuming). As reported by Football Espana at OneFootball, it's a mix of fresh faces, injury-hit absentees, and a right-back reshuffle that's got everyone chatting.
These March internationals are de la Fuente's last proper look at the lads before the big dance. The dream La Finalissima clash with Argentina? Scrapped after venue drama – no Qatar, no dice between RFEF and AFA. Instead, La Roja host Serbia at Villarreal's La Ceramica on 27 March, then Egypt at Espanyol's RCDE Stadium three days later. Perfect tune-up gigs.
Big Snubs and Injury Woes
Right, let's crack on with the real jaw-dropper: Dani Carvajal is out. The Real Madrid warrior, key to Euro 2024 glory, has been sidelined by injuries for yonks. De la Fuente isn't risking it – he's plumped for Marcos Llorente and Pedro Porro at right-back instead. Fair play? Time will tell, but it's a bold punt with the World Cup looming.
Other big misses from the November squad? Dani Vivian and Aleix Garcia headline the absences. Vivian's been a fixture post-Euros, but no dice this time. Injuries are decimating the midfield too: Mikel Merino, Fabian Ruiz, Samu Aghehowa (World Cup goner), and Pablo Barrios are all crocked. Barrios might sneak back in April, while the others pray for fitness. Marc Pubill and Jorge de Frutos? Fitness struggles and overlooked.
It's like de la Fuente is playing squad Tetris – fitting pieces around the walking wounded.
Fresh Blood and Familiar Faces
Now for the good stuff: debuts aplenty! Barcelona's Joan Garcia gets his first cap in goal, rubbing shoulders with Unai Simon, David Raya, and Alex Remiro. Only three keepers make the plane, so it's a proper shootout.
Osasuna's Victor Munoz and Arsenal's Cristhian Mosquera also bag maiden calls – exciting times for the newbies. Returns? Carlos Soler, Ander Barrenetxea, Yeremy Pino, and Rodri Hernandez are back in the fold. Pablo Fornals and Borja Iglesias hold their spots, though they're likely benchwarmers come June.
Midfield looks tasty with Rodri, Martin Zubimendi, Pedri, Fermin Lopez, Dani Olmo – proper engine room. Defence is stacked: Pau Cubarsi, Dean Huijsen, Aymeric Laporte, Marc Cucurella, Alejandro Grimaldo. Up top, Lamine Yamal, Mikel Oyarzabal, Ferran Torres, Alex Baena – goals galore.
Full Squad at a Glance
Goalkeepers: Unai Simon, David Raya, Joan Garcia, Alex Remiro
Defenders: Pedro Porro, Pau Cubarsi, Dean Huijsen, Aymeric Laporte, Marc Cucurella, Alejandro Grimaldo, Marcos Llorente, Cristhian Mosquera
Midfielders: Rodri Hernandez, Martin Zubimendi, Pedri, Fermin Lopez, Carlos Soler, Pablo Fornals, Dani Olmo
Forwards: Lamine Yamal, Mikel Oyarzabal, Ferran Torres, Borja Iglesias, Yeremy Pino, Ander Barrenetxea, Alex Baena, Victor Munoz
De la Fuente's got options, but the real test is these friendlies. Will Garcia shine? Can Porro fill Carvajal's boots? Grab your scarf, it's going to be a cracker. What's your take – bolt-on bollocks or masterstroke?
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