Spain manager discusses the omission of Barcelona duo from squad list: “Encourage him to keep working”

Spain manager Luis de la Fuente announced the squad list for their upcoming matches against Cyprus and Georgia earlier today.

As usual, there was a significant representation from Barcelona in the national team, with four players – Gavi, Ferran Torres, Lamine Yamal, and Inigo Martinez, getting called up.

But in a big surprise, De la Fuente opted to leave Alejandro Balde out of the squad list while fellow Barcelona star Pedri too did not make the cut, having only recently returned from injury.

During the press conference, De la Fuente was asked about the Barça duo and the reason behind their omission from the squad list.

On the matter of Balde, whose form has dipped somewhat in recent weeks, the La Roja head coach insisted that the young left-back must just keep working harder.

“Alejandro is just another player. I encourage him to keep working more because he is good for Spanish football,” De la Fuente said, as quoted by SPORT.

As far as Pedri is concerned, there was very little chance of him being called up, considering that he had only recently returned from a two-month-long spell out on the sidelines.

And, De la Fuente touched on the same, stating that Pedri is a super-class player and will have a place in the Spain national team when he is fully fit.

“Pedri is no longer injured, he is playing with his team. I spoke to the players when they were injured. In difficult moments I try to be close to them. When they play, I don’t usually talk,” De la Fuente said.

“We prioritise a player’s health, he comes from a long injury, and we know each other perfectly well. He is a super-class player. As he gets better, the doors of the national team will be open to him,” he added.

Pedri is yet to make a single appearance for Spain under De la Fuente and the wait will continue into 2024.