Spain head into the final international break of the year with two significant absentees. The Spanish Football Federation confirmed on Monday that Lamine Yamal and Mikel Oyarzabal will be unavailable for Thursday’s match in Prague. Luis de la Fuente must therefore manage without the two players who scored in Spain’s 3-2 victory at Wembley. However, having won all four of their group matches, the reigning world champions have already secured a place in the Nations League quarter-finals.
Yamal struggling with knee pain, Oyarzabal sidelined by illness
Yamal complained of discomfort in his right knee following Barcelona’s 2-1 away victory over Atlético Madrid on Sunday. The 19-year-old played the entire match and set up Fermín López’s winning goal in the 66th minute. Following medical examinations, the decision was made for the winger to remain in Barcelona and continue his recovery.
According to reports in the Spanish media, the discomfort stems from a knock to his knee. No more serious injury has been confirmed. The Spanish federation is in contact with Barcelona’s medical staff and intends to monitor his condition daily.
Oyarzabal’s situation is different. The Real Sociedad forward is suffering from flu-like symptoms and had already missed his club’s league match against Rayo Vallecano. He will remain in San Sebastián for the time being to recover fully.
Both players are expected to join the national squad after the Czechia match. The plan is for them to be available against England on Sunday, although their participation will depend on how their recoveries progress.
What options does Luis de la Fuente have?
Yamal’s absence will have a particular impact on Spain’s attacking play down the right flank. The Barcelona winger regularly draws multiple defenders towards him with his dribbling, creates space for midfield runners and opens up defences with incisive passes in behind.
Barcelona benefited from precisely those qualities in their recent victory over Atlético. Yamal provided the decisive assist with a perfectly weighted through ball for Fermín López. Spain could miss that individual creativity against a Czech side likely to defend in a compact shape.
De la Fuente does, however, have alternatives out wide in Yeremy Pino and the newly called-up Jorge de Frutos. Nico Williams could also take on greater responsibility on the opposite flank.
Oyarzabal’s absence, meanwhile, leaves a gap through the middle. The 29-year-old combines clinical finishing with intelligent movement and frequently drops deeper to link up with his teammates. Ferran Torres and Roberto Fernández are potential replacements.
Spain are also without Ander Barrenetxea, who sustained a thigh injury during Real Sociedad’s league match against Rayo Vallecano. De Frutos was called up in his place.
Four wins from four: Spain in complete control of their group
Spain’s Nations League campaign has been close to flawless. They began with a 3-2 victory over England at Wembley before recording an emphatic 4-1 home win against Croatia.
A 3-1 victory over Czechia followed, and Spain maintained their perfect record with a 2-1 win away to Croatia in early October. That leaves De la Fuente’s side with twelve points from twelve available.
Spain lead Group A3 with 12 goals scored and five conceded. England sit second on nine points, followed by Croatia with three. Czechia remain bottom after losing all four of their matches.
The Czechs have scored just twice and conceded ten goals so far. Spain will therefore travel to Prague as clear favourites, even without Yamal and Oyarzabal. Their place in the quarter-finals is already guaranteed, with only the final group standings still to be decided.
England clash will decide the group winners
Spain host England at Madrid’s Metropolitano on Sunday in what promises to be the decisive fixture of the group stage. The reverse meeting at Wembley was among the most entertaining matches of the competition so far.
Yamal gave Spain an early lead, but England fought back to move 2-1 ahead. The visitors then responded, with substitute Oyarzabal scoring the winning goal in the 74th minute to seal a 3-2 victory.
Those are the very two players who will now miss part of Spain’s preparations for the rematch. Their return would give De la Fuente additional attacking options against an England side that have scored 14 goals in four matches.
Regardless of Thursday’s results, a draw against England would be enough for Spain to secure top spot in the group. Whether Yamal and Oyarzabal will be fit to feature in that crucial encounter should become clearer as the week progresses.
