Giant shock in Spain: Yamal called up for the World Cup, but Real Madrid left out!
The call-up of the Spanish national team for the 2024 World Cup has left the football world in shock and with a huge dose of surprise. Lamine Yamal, the young prodigy from Barcelona, has been selected for the most anticipated tournament, even while injured, while no player from Real Madrid features in the final list of 26 athletes. This marks a historic achievement never before seen in the recent history of “La Roja.”
Lamine Yamal, an 18-year-old forward, suffered a serious injury to the tendon in his left leg on April 22 during a Barcelona match, which sidelined him for the end of the season. Nevertheless, coach Luis de la Fuente surprised everyone by including him in the squad, demonstrating complete confidence in his recovery in time for the competition. “We are very calm. Unless unforeseen circumstances arise, we will have everyone available from the first game,” assured the Spanish coach.
In addition to Yamal, another name that raises some doubts due to physical issues is Nico Williams, the winger from Athletic Bilbao, who is also struggling with an injury to his tendon. Also absent from the call-up are Real Madrid defenders Dean Huijsen and Dani Carvajal, leaving the Spanish giant out of the World Cup for the first time in a long time, a feat that does not go unnoticed and could generate controversy.
The Spain calendar for the group stage is set: debuting against debutants Cape Verde on June 15, followed by matches against Saudi Arabia on June 21 and the feared Uruguay on June 26, all decisive games in Group H.
The squad also includes seven players from the Premier League, including names such as David Raya, Martin Zubimendi, Pedro Porro, Marc Cucurella, Rodri, and Yeremy Pino, along with midfielder Mikel Merino, who recently returned to Arsenal after four months out due to a foot fracture. The presence of these athletes reinforces the diversity and quality of the Spanish squad.
De la Fuente emphasized the passion and unconditional support the team has received: “The key word is excitement. Passion. The reaction of people all over Spain – adults and children – is one of total support for the national team.”
However, not all news is good for Spain, as Barcelona midfielder Fermin Lopez has been ruled out of the World Cup due to a foot fracture, forcing the coaching staff to seek alternatives.
Complete call-up of Spain for the 2024 World Cup:
**Goalkeepers:** Unai Simón (Athletic Bilbao), David Raya (Arsenal), Joan Garcia (Barcelona).
**Defenders:** Marcos Llorente (Atlético Madrid), Marc Pubill (Atlético Madrid), Pedro Porro (Tottenham), Aymeric Laporte (Athletic Bilbao), Eric Garcia (Barcelona), Pau Cubarsi (Barcelona), Marc Cucurella (Chelsea), Alejandro Grimaldo (Bayer Leverkusen).
**Midfielders:** Rodri (Manchester City), Martin Zubimendi (Arsenal), Mikel Merino (Arsenal), Pedri (Barcelona), Gavi (Barcelona), Fabián Ruiz (Paris Saint-Germain), Álex Baena (Atlético Madrid).
**Forwards:** Yeremy Pino (Crystal Palace), Víctor Muñoz (Osasuna), Mikel Oyarzabal (Real Sociedad), Ferran Torres (Barcelona), Lamine Yamal (Barcelona), Dani Olmo (Barcelona), Nico Williams (Athletic Bilbao), Borja Iglesias (Celta Vigo).
This Spanish national team promises an electrifying World Cup, with a clear focus on youth and emerging talent, despite injuries and the historic absence of Real Madrid players. It remains to be seen whether this boldness from coach De la Fuente will bear fruit and lead Spain to the top of world football. The clock is ticking down to the kick-off on June 11!
This article first appeared on Apito Final.
Discover more from Apito Final
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
