Often pressured by clubs, who lobby behind the scenes to limit their players’ minutes with the national team, not to mention late withdrawals, Spain head coach Luis de la Fuente tracks every absence from his office. Many of those missing are central to his hopes of making a deep World Cup run, which for Spain national football team begins June 15 in Atlanta against Cape Verde.

The hamstring injury to Lamine Yamal is a brutal final twist in a season full of setbacks. An estimated total puts the number of days lost to injury at more than 1,500 among players who are regular starters, would be if fit, like Dani Carvajal, or are pushing strongly for inclusion, such as Joan García and Gavi.

Spain hit by injury ahead of World Cup

The most serious cases involve Nico Williams, Fabián Ruiz, and Mikel Merino. Merino, in fact, remains a major doubt for the trip to North America, although De la Fuente is willing to wait. The midfielder, in top form earlier in the season, underwent surgery in early February for a stress fracture in his right foot, described by his father as “rare and poorly documented.” His expected absence: 115 days. Nico Williams has endured a year-long battle with groin issues. The Athletic Club winger chose to play in the Nations League Finals instead of undergoing surgery last summer, during the high-profile saga surrounding interest from FC Barcelona, before eventually renewing his contract. He has missed 105 days and, more importantly, has rarely been at full fitness. Like Yamal, he is essential to Spain’s structure. Without him at his best, the team’s shape changes significantly. Fabián Ruiz, meanwhile, missed 127 days with a knee injury before returning on the 19th against Lyon. Left out of the 2022 World Cup in a controversial decision by Luis Enrique, playing in North America is now a major goal.

Rodri long-term injury doubt

Then there is Rodri, who has also missed over 100 days with a muscle injury. Just as he was regaining form, he suffered another setback in a Premier League game against Arsenal and has been sidelined again for a couple of weeks. Another major concern. Spain do have Martín Zubimendi as a high-level replacement, but Rodri was the leader in the 2023 Nations League and Euro 2024. His absence was felt in last year’s Final Four in Germany. His authority in midfield is unmatched.

Several other key names are dealing with issues ahead of the World Cup. Barrios, who will surpass 100 days out, could miss the tournament. By contrast, Gavi, after nearly 200 days out following knee surgery, has returned with remarkable impact. More midfielders have struggled: Pedri has again been hit by muscle problems (72 days out), Álex Baena missed 54 days after appendicitis, and Fermín López lost 38 days to muscle injuries early in the season.

Spain’s defense a worry

The defense has also been hit hard. Aymeric Laporte, the leader at the back, missed more than two months. Dean Huijsen has combined inconsistent form with physical issues, including ankle problems and muscle fatigue, missing over 60 days. Robin Le Normand is still working his way back after a serious knee injury. Cristhian Mosquera missed 40 days with an ankle issue. Only Pau Cubarsí has enjoyed a relatively clean year. Full-backs have not been spared either: Pedro Porro (35 days), Marcos Llorente (30), Marc Cucurella (32), and Alejandro Grimaldo (29).

In goal, Unai Simón, David Raya, and Álex Remiro have had relatively quiet seasons. Only Joan García missed significant time, nearly two months after knee surgery. Up front, Mikel Oyarzabal and Ferran Torres have each missed around 20 days, almost a positive given the broader picture.

Carvajal now a doubt

The final question mark is Carvajal. He has already missed 98 days this season, and Real Madrid recently confirmed another setback, a fracture in the little toe of his right foot. He is expected to be out for two weeks, which could allow him to return before the end of the season, but it remains to be seen whether that will be enough to keep him in De la Fuente’s plans. That comes on top of last year’s major knee surgery, which kept him out for 238 days. It may be too much to overcome. De la Fuente, however, is still waiting. Alongside him, there are more than 1,500 lost days he must somehow manage before June.

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