Sep 16·Sports
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Spain names squad for Nations League after Garcia's knee injury
Spain coach Luis de la Fuente named his first squad since winning the 2026 World Cup, calling up Inter Milan goalkeeper Josep Martinez and Espanyol striker Roberto Fernandez to replace and supplement his roster. Barcelona goalkeeper Joan Garcia was ruled out after suffering a minor right knee injury during a La Liga match against Racing Santander, expected to sideline him for around three weeks.
Quick Facts
- Spain coach announces squad for UEFA Nations League
- Joan Garcia slips on wet artificial grass retrieving a ball
- Garcia substituted at halftime, replaced by Szczesny
- Medical tests confirm minor right knee injury
- Josep Martinez receives first senior call-up
Spain coach Luis de la Fuente has announced his first squad since winning the 2026 FIFA World Cup, featuring new call-ups Inter Milan goalkeeper Josep Martinez and Espanyol striker Roberto Fernandez. The squad was shaped in part by Barcelona goalkeeper Joan Garcia's injury sustained during Wednesday's La Liga match against Racing Santander at Camp Nou.
Garcia slipped on wet artificial grass while retrieving a ball near the end of the first half during Barcelona's 7-2 victory. Medical tests confirmed a minor right knee injury, expected to sideline him for approximately three weeks. Barcelona confirmed the goalkeeper is experiencing mild discomfort and will miss Saturday's trip to Sevilla. As a result, Garcia will not be available for Spain's UEFA Nations League campaign.
Martinez, 27, receives his senior debut call-up to replace Garcia as third-choice goalkeeper, joining Unai Simon and David Raya. Fernandez, who has scored six La Liga goals this season, earns his first senior selection. De la Fuente also recalled Real Madrid defender Dean Huijsen, who missed the World Cup squad after poor form last season, and brought back Barcelona's Fermin Lopez following a muscle injury that ended his World Cup participation. Notable omissions include Real Madrid's Carlos Espi and Fulham's Gonzalo Garcia.
Topics
Why This Matters
Spain's UEFA Nations League campaign begins after the World Cup with squad adjustments due to Garcia's three-week knee absence. Goalkeeper Martinez and striker Fernandez earn first senior call-ups, while defenders Huijsen and López return from injury. Spain plays four matches starting with England at Wembley, affecting roster depth and goalkeeper rotation during the international break.
Timeline & Sources
Sep 16, 2026
WireBarcelona vs Racing Santander match begins at Spotify Camp Nou
Sep 16, 2026
WireJoan Garcia slips on wet artificial grass while retrieving a ball near the end of first half in Barcelona vs Racing Santander match
Sep 20, 2026
WireBarcelona vs Sevilla scheduled at Sánchez Pizjuán
Sep 20, 2026
WireBarcelona's away match against Sevilla (García absent)
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Sources
- Alarma Joan GarcíaMARCAMediaSep 16, 2026
- Joan García no sale en la segunda parte por una torceduraDiario ASMediaSep 16, 2026
- Alarm w Barcelonie. Wojciech Szczęsny musi grać, przełomowe wieściPrzegląd SportowyMediaSep 16, 2026
- Will he miss the Sevilla clash? The secret behind Juan Garcia's substitution on the night of Barcelona's seven-goal haulGoal.comMediaSep 16, 2026
- Is Joan Garcia injured? Barcelona stopper replaced by Wojciech Szczęsny against RacingBarca BlaugranesMediaSep 16, 2026
- Barcelona star forced off with injury vs RacingGet Spanish Football NewsMediaSep 16, 2026
- Will he miss the Sevilla clash? The secret behind Juan Garcia's substitution on the night of Barcelona's seven-goal routGoal.comMediaSep 16, 2026
- Why was Barcelona goalkeeper Joan García substituted at halftime against Racing Santander?Diario ASMediaSep 16, 2026
- Knee injury sidelines Barcelona goalkeeper Joan GarciaxinhuaMediaSep 18, 2026
- Two new faces as Spain coach De la Fuente names first squad since World Cup winxinhuaMediaSep 18, 2026