Official: Four Barcelona stars named on Spain squad list, Pedri, Balde miss out

As Spain get set to play their final set of fixtures of 2023 later this month, manager Luis de la Fuente has announced the squad list for the matches against Cyprus and Georgia. And, a total of four players from FC Barcelona have made the cut.

Spain will take on Cyprus and Georgia in the UEFA Euro 2024 Qualifiers. Even though their place in next year’s competition is confirmed, the results could be crucial as far as their seeding is concerned for the draw.

Despite that, though, De la Fuente has seemingly opted to make some interesting selection call-ups in his 25-man squad for the matches.

For starters, Barcelona defender Inigo Martinez makes his return to the La Roja setup having impressed in recent matches.

Along with him, star midfielder Gavi continues in the Spain roster, while forwards Ferran Torres and Lamine Yamal are also included.

🚨 ¡¡ÚLTIMA CONVOCATORIA DE 2023!!

Estos son los 2⃣5⃣ futbolistas elegidos por Luis de la Fuente y su cuerpo técnico para los próximos partidos ante Chipre y Georgia de la Fase de Clasificación para la #EURO2024.

💪🏻 ¡¡Queremos cerrar el año con dos victorias más!!#VamosEspaña pic.twitter.com/tLuYbxC3xM

— Selección Española Masculina de Fútbol (@SEFutbol) November 10, 2023

As was expected, De la Fuente has opted not to call up Pedri so soon after his return from injury, with the Barcelona midfielder set to continue working with the club staff over the course of the international break.

But the big surprise comes in the form of Alejandro Balde’s exclusion. The young left-back has been a regular in the Spain setup since the World Cup, but De la Fuente has opted to leave him out this time, instead going for former La Masia defender Alejandro Grimaldo.

Fermin Lopez had been tipped for a call-up this month, but that has not been the case, with the youngster once again being named on the Spanish U-21 national team squad list.