Nine Barcelona stars included in Spain preliminary World Cup squad; two notable absentees

Among the biggest developments are the inclusions of Gavi and Eric Garcia, both of whom return to the national team picture after impressive seasons under Hansi Flick.

Eric Garcia and Joan Garcia on the Spain preliminary squad list. (Photo by Eric Alonso/Getty Images)

Gavi’s comeback has been particularly significant after his long injury lay-off, while Garcia’s consistency and versatility have earned him renewed recognition from the Spain manager.

Meanwhile, star goalkeeper Joan Garcia, who made his Spain debut during the last international break in March, is also on the 55-man probables’ list.

No Gerard Martin and Alejandro Balde

However, there are two notable absentees from the Barcelona squad who have not made the cut for the Spain World Cup roster – Gerard Martin and Alejandro Balde.

Martin has grown in importance during the second half of the season and established himself as a key starter as the left-sided centre-back alongside Cubarsi. But he has ultimately missed out on this initial selection with Spain.

Balde has also been left out. Competition at left-back remains fierce for Spain, with Marc Cucurella, Alejandro Grimaldo and even Sergio Gomez currently ahead of the Barcelona full-back in De la Fuente’s plans.

There is also no place for young midfielders Marc Casado and Marc Bernal.