Five notable absences from Spain’s November Nations League squad

Spain head coach Luis de la Fuente named a 27-player squad for UEFA Nations League 2026-27 group matches against Czechia at Stadion Letná in Prague on November 12 and England at the Metropolitano Stadium on November 15. The selection contains a first senior call-up for Como centre-back Jacobo Roman but also several prominent omissions, including three players from Barcelona.

De la Fuente named what the federation described as a strong squad for the two final group games despite Spain already having secured a place in the Nations League quarter-finals. Jacobo Roman received his maiden call-up after his performances for Como. The squad totals 27 players and includes both established internationals and newcomers. Multiple absences were explained by injury, while others were left out on selection grounds.

Dani Olmo was omitted after sustaining a left adductor muscle injury in a collision during Barcelona’s Champions League match against Paris Saint-Germain; Barcelona confirmed the 28-year-old is expected to be sidelined for nearly a month. Before the injury, Olmo had registered four assists in 12 matches across all competitions for his club.

Rodri missed the squad because of a minor right hamstring problem suffered in the Champions League tie with Aston Villa; he was substituted at half-time and subsequent scans confirmed he would be out for almost a month. Eric Garcia was also left out of the Spain squad with an injury.

Como midfielder Luis Milla, described in the report as one of Europe’s top performers and as controlling the midfield for Cesc Fàbregas’ side, did not earn a call-up. De la Fuente instead selected Pablo Barrios, Mikel Merino and Martin Zubimendi to fill his midfield slots.

Victor Munoz, who recently scored the winner against Brentford — his second league goal for Liverpool — was not included; Ander Barrenetxea was named in the squad in his place. Isco, last called up in May 2025, was also omitted despite a revival at Real Betis that has yielded four goals and two assists in 14 matches across all competitions; his Champions League contributions cited in the report were match-winning goals against FC Porto and Feyenoord and an assist for the winner against Malaga.

Spain will play Czechia at Stadion Letná in Prague on November 12 and England at the Metropolitano Stadium on November 15, fixtures that complete their Nations League group stage as they have already secured progression to the quarter-finals.