Nations League: Fermin Lopez returns as De la Fuente names 26-man squad
by Moronfolu Adeyemi · The Eagle OnlineSpain head coach Luis de la Fuente has recalled Barcelona midfielder Fermin Lopez and defender Dean Huijsen for the upcoming UEFA Nations League fixtures.
Lopez returns to the international setup after missing the 2026 World Cup through injury, while Huijsen has been rewarded for his development under Jose Mourinho.
Barcelona midfielder Gavi is the notable absentee, with Lopez coming back into the squad after enjoying a strong start to the domestic campaign.
The 26-man squad also features a change in goalkeeping, with Inter Milan’s Josep Martinez receiving his maiden call-up following Joan Garcia’s knee injury.
Martinez joins Unai Simon and David Raya among the goalkeepers, while Leo Roman misses out.
Huijsen headlines the defensive changes and offers De la Fuente another versatile option in the backline.
Aymeric Laporte and Pau Cubarsi remain among the defensive options, while Pedro Porro, Marc Pubill, Eric Garcia, Marc Cucurella, Alejandro Grimaldo and Huijsen complete the backline.
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De la Fuente has retained several familiar names in midfield, including Rodrigo Hernandez, Martin Zubimendi, Pedri Gonzalez, Fabian Ruiz, Mikel Merino and Alex Baena.
Fermin Lopez returns alongside the established midfielders.
The attacking department sees Roberto Fernandez earn his place after a strong start to the domestic campaign.
Roberto and Camello have each scored six goals for Espanyol and Rayo Vallecano respectively, although Roberto has been selected for the international window.
Gonzalo of Fulham and Carlos Espi of Real Madrid were among the other attacking options considered.
The forward line also includes Mikel Oyarzabal, Lamine Yamal, Ferran Torres, Dani Olmo, Victor Munoz, Nico Williams and Yeremy Pino.
Spain are set to play four Nations League fixtures in London, Seville, Oviedo and Split.
Full Spain squad
Goalkeepers: Unai Simon (Athletic Club), David Raya (Arsenal), Josep Martinez (Inter Milan)
Defenders: Pedro Porro (Tottenham Hotspur), Aymeric Laporte (Athletic Club), Pau Cubarsi (Barcelona), Marc Pubill (Atletico Madrid), Eric Garcia (Barcelona), Marc Cucurella (Real Madrid), Alejandro Grimaldo (Atletico de Madrid), Dean Huijsen (Real Madrid)
Midfielders: Rodrigo Hernandez (Barcelona), Martin Zubimendi (Arsenal), Pedri Gonzalez (Barcelona), Fabian Ruiz (Paris Saint-Germain), Mikel Merino (Arsenal), Fermin Lopez (Barcelona), Alex Baena (Atletico de Madrid)
Forwards: Mikel Oyarzabal (Real Sociedad), Lamine Yamal (Barcelona), Ferran Torres (Paris Saint-Germain), Roberto Fernandez (Espanyol), Dani Olmo (Barcelona), Victor Munoz (Liverpool), Nico Williams (Athletic Club), Yeremy Pino (Crystal Palace)
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