In brief
Spain’s coach Luis de la Fuente added Liverpool winger Victor Munoz and promoted Rayo Vallecano forward Jorge de Frutos to the squad after injuries to Real Sociedad winger Ander Barrenetxea. The departures of Mikel Oyarzabal, who falls ill, and Lamine Yamal, who suffers a knee discomfort, mean both men will miss the Czech Republic game on November 12, but they are expected to return for the home fixture against England.
Spain’s preparations for their UEFA Nations League ties were rattled Sunday when coach de la Fuente confirmed that two key forwards—Mikel Oyarzabal of Real Sociedad and Lamine Yamal of Barcelona—will miss the match against the Czech Republic on November 12.
Oyarzabal was ruled out after a bout of flu forced him to stay in San Sebastián rather than join the squad camp, while Yamal had to delay his arrival at the training base following knee discomfort that lingered after Saturday’s 2‑1 win over Atlético Madrid.
To fill the void, Liverpool winger Victor Munoz was called up just days before the squad gathering, replacing the injured Real Sociedad winger Ander Barrenetxea. The move also saw Rayo Vallecano striker Jorge de Frutos switch from the sidelines to the starting lineup.
De la Fuente’s changes come as Spain awaits a crucial encounter at the Metropolitano Stadium on Sunday, where a victory over England could settle which Nations League group top spot each side will finish with.
England is likewise dealing with a roster adjustment. Manchester City defender Marc Guehi withdrew from the squad with a hip injury and has been replaced by Newcastle United’s Dan Burn.
Both national teams will now rely on their remaining forwards as they head into the next phase of the qualification stage.
The Spanish side’s next objectives are to solidify its attack and to attempt to maintain its standing within the group, while the English squad seeks a win that would secure a top position.
Despite the absence of Yamal and Oyarzabal for the Czech Republic match, they are anticipated to re‑join the team ahead of the decisive game against England.
Fans of both nations will watch closely to see whether the squad reshuffle translates into on‑field success.
The coaching staff’s ability to manage injuries and illness will be paramount as the competition moves forward.
Further updates on squad fitness and playing time are expected ahead of the home fixture for Spain.
These developments underscore the importance of contingency planning in elite international football, where a single injury or illness can shift strategic trajectories.
