Spain’s Nations League Squad: Barcelona's Influence and Striker Dilemma

Luis de la Fuente’s Spain is taking shape for the UEFA Nations League, and the outline is clear: Barcelona will carry the weight, but there’s a fight brewing up front and a notable absentee in midfield.

Midfield tweak: Fermin in, Gavi waiting

The main adjustment in the middle of the pitch is straightforward. Fermin Lopez is set to come in for Gavi, who will miss the opening game at Wembley through suspension. It’s a double blow for the midfielder: he has also lost his starting spot at Barcelona after the injury he picked up at the start of La Liga against Elche.

That doesn’t mean he’s out of the national-team picture. Far from it. De la Fuente rates Gavi extremely highly and refuses to close the door on him in any scenario. Once he is fully fit and available, he will be right back in contention.

For now, though, Fermin steps into the gap.

Striker puzzle: one seat, many contenders

The real uncertainty lies in attack. Compared with the squad that lifted the World Cup, there is one clear vacancy: the third striker.

Mikel Oyarzabal and Ferran Torres are safe. Their places are not up for debate. The question is who fills the role previously occupied by Borja Iglesias. The forward started the season carrying a soleus muscle problem and has barely featured, leaving his status under a cloud.

That opens the door for the new wave. Sergio Camello, Roberto, Espi and Gonzalo are all pushing hard to be the name added to the list of forwards. One spot, several ambitious candidates, and a coach who knows he needs fresh legs for a demanding schedule.

Tight lists, heavy schedule

The Nations League brings a logistical headache. Only 23 players can be registered for the group stage, three fewer than the 26 allowed in the final phase. Even with that restriction, the expectation is that De la Fuente will broaden his pool across the window.

Spain play four matches in quick succession, and rotation is not a luxury, it’s a necessity. The calendar will force changes, especially in the attacking and midfield lines where intensity is non-negotiable.

Barcelona spine: up to 10 in La Roja

At club level, Barcelona are set to form the backbone of this Spain side. Joan Garcia, Eric Garcia, Pau Cubarsi, Pedri, Dani Olmo, Rodri and Lamine Yamal are all effectively guaranteed their places in the squad.

They may not be alone. Gavi and Fermin Lopez could join them, and Xavi Espart is also in the frame. In the most Barcelona-heavy scenario, that would mean 10 players from the Catalan club wearing Spain’s colours in this Nations League campaign.

A core from one club, tasked with carrying a national project.

A demanding opening window

Spain’s route through this international window is anything but gentle.

They open their UEFA Nations League campaign against England at Wembley on 26 September, a high-profile start in London. Three days later, Croatia travel to Seville on the 29th, a clash that will test Spain’s depth and adaptability.

Then comes a trip north: Oviedo hosts the meeting with the Czech Republic on 3 October, before Spain close out the window away to Croatia in Split on the 6th of next month.

Four games, one month, a trimmed squad and a Barcelona core. The pieces are almost in place. The real question is which young forward grabs that final seat in attack—and whether this new-look Spain can turn a strong blueprint into another trophy run.