Spain Names Rodri and Dani Carvajal in World Cup Squad
Spain's national football team coach Luis de la Fuente announced the return of midfielders Rodri and Dani Carvajal to the squad yesterday, ahead of their World Cup 2026 qualifiers against Bulgaria and Turkey. Both players had been sidelined due to long-term knee injuries but made their comeback at the Club World Cup. The squad includes Barcelona stars Lamine Yamal and Pedri, as well as midfielder Fermin Lopez, who has been linked with a potential transfer. However, several regulars, including Alex Baena, Samu Aghehowa, Isco, and Ayoze Perez, have been left out due to injuries.
Key Takeaways:
- Rodri and Dani Carvajal, who helped lead Spain to Euro 2024 glory, have been named in the squad after recovering from long-term knee injuries.
- The team will visit Bulgaria on September 4 and then travel to Turkey on September 7 for their World Cup 2026 qualifiers.
- Georgia is the other nation in their four-team group, with the winners advancing to the tournament next summer in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
- Coach Luis de la Fuente praised the return of Rodri and Dani Carvajal, calling them "captains and the best in the world in their positions."
- Several regulars, including Alex Baena, Samu Aghehowa, Isco, and Ayoze Perez, have been left out due to injuries.
- Barcelona stars Lamine Yamal and Pedri have been included in the squad, along with midfielder Fermin Lopez.
- New arrival goalkeeper Joan Garcia was not selected for the squad.
Statistics:
- Rodri made his return during the Club World Cup this summer after rupturing his anterior cruciate ligament in September 2024.
- Dani Carvajal did not make his return until July 2024 after rupturing two knee ligaments and a tendon in October 2024.
- Spain's national team has a difficult qualification group, with Georgia as the other competitor in their four-team group.
- The World Cup 2026 tournament will take place in the United States, Canada, and Mexico next summer.
Sources:
- AFP