Spain named an 18-year-old with a torn hamstring to its 26-man World Cup squad and left out every player from Real Madrid, the reigning Spanish league club, in a selection that drew immediate attention across European football.
According to BBC Sport, Lamine Yamal has been included despite missing the final month of the club season after tearing his left hamstring while playing for Barcelona on April 22. Spain coach Luis de la Fuente expressed confidence the injury would not keep Yamal out of group play.
"We're very relaxed. Barring any setbacks, we'll have everyone available from the very first match," De la Fuente said.
The absence of Real Madrid players is notable. It marks the first time Spain has named a World Cup squad without a single player from the club. Real defenders Dean Huijsen and Dani Carvajal were both left out. No reason was given in the announcement for either omission.
Athletic Bilbao winger Nico Williams, who has also been dealing with a hamstring problem, was included alongside Yamal. The two forwards were central figures in Spain's Euro 2024 title run and figure to play key roles in the tournament again.
Seven Premier League players made the squad. They include Arsenal's David Raya, Martin Zubimendi, and Mikel Merino, who returned from a four-month absence due to a stress fracture in his foot in Arsenal's final Premier League match of the season. Also included are Tottenham's Pedro Porro, Chelsea's Marc Cucurella, Manchester City's Rodri, and Crystal Palace's Yeremy Pino.
Midfielder Fermin Lopez, who plays for Barcelona, was ruled out last week with a broken foot and does not appear in the squad.
Two uncapped defenders received their first call-ups. Eric Garcia of Barcelona and Marc Pubill of Atletico Madrid were both selected after strong club seasons.
De la Fuente described the national mood around the team in plain terms.
"Excitement is the key word. Passion," he said. "The reaction of people all over Spain - adults and children alike - is that they are fully behind the national team."
Spain opens Group H play on June 15 against debutants Cape Verde, then faces Saudi Arabia on June 21 and Uruguay on June 26. The World Cup runs from June 11 through July 19.
