Spain manager assesses Merino and Carvajal World Cup chances

Spain supervisor Luis de la Fuente has referred to as Dani Carvajal one of many gamers that gives him essentially the most ensures, with a view to the veteran’s inclusion in his World Cup squad this summer season. The 34-year-old right-back is one among quite a lot of gamers that have been key in La Roja’s 2024 triumph who’re battling accidents.

Along with Carvajal, who’s but to start out since getting back from his knee drawback that stored him out till January, Mikel Merino is at present recovering from surgical procedure, whereas Marc Cucurella has been the newest to go down with harm. Nico Williams has been scuffling with a sports activities hernia for a lot of the season too, and Samu Aghehowa has been dominated out with a cruciate ligament harm.

De la Fuente on Carvajal  – ‘We all know what Dani is like’

Talking after the Nations League draw on Thursday, de la Fuente was requested about his World Cup ideas on Carvajal, who hit the headlines this week after expressing his frustration to supervisor Alvaro Arbeloa over his minutes.

“Whether or not he performs or not, that’s one other matter that’s not my concern. However Dani is a positive factor; we all know what he’s like and, if he’s meant to be there, he’ll be. Now what’s wanted is for him to get taking part in time and regain his confidence,” he informed Cadena SER.

“When Dani is wholesome, he’s one of many gamers who gives me essentially the most assure. Now, that doesn’t imply that, even when he’s wholesome, he has to return, as a result of there could also be different gamers who’re in higher type.”

Mikel Merino harm has ‘no references’

Arsenal midfielder Mikel Merino has additionally been dominated out with a stress fracture in his foot. There’s some uncertainty over when he’ll come again.

“Now we have time to get the gamers with muscle accidents again in form for the Finalissima. Sadly, accidents will happen in April or Could.”

“Mikel has an harm for which there aren’t any references. We’re optimistic, and so is he, however we don’t know, the docs don’t even know, how lengthy it should take, whether or not he can be again in March, April, Could. We even have accidents to Barrios, Cucurella, and Fabian, who’re all coping with some discomfort. This 12 months is proving to be very demanding.”

De la Fuente on Joan Garcia and Spain’s goalkeepers

In latest months there was a rising tide of requires Barcelona goalkeeper Joan Garcia to make it into the Spain squad, however Alex Remiro has additionally responded with advantageous type.

“Am I clear on the goalkeeping state of affairs? I’m, I don’t find out about you. We’re very lucky. Now we have six Spanish goalkeepers among the many high ten on the earth. We’ll assess the state of affairs at any given time. Many individuals have solely simply found him [Joan Garcia]however he performed for me within the under-21 group.”

Flick: “We did not play properly within the first half. We did not play as a group, the areas have been very large, we did not press as we wished. The second has been good and we have now one other match. We’re able to profitable 2-0 in every half.”

— Barcacentre (@barcacentre) February 12, 2026

Lower than an hour earlier than, Garcia was concerned in Barcelona’s 4-0 thrashing towards Atletico Madrid, through which a mistake gifted Los Colchoneros the lead. De la Fuente mentioned that he had not seen the incident, however that ‘anybody could make a mistake’.