Spain send Eric Garcia home while promoting Fermin Lopez for Croatia
In the training grounds of the Spanish national team, the atmosphere turned tense as Eric Garcia winced during the warm‑up before the England friendly. The 23‑year‑old defender reported knee discomfort and returned to Barcelona, prompting Luis de la Fuente to send him home from the international camp. Spain’s medical staff opted against taking any unnecessary risk with the player during the break.
Garcia's withdrawal and medical caution
Garcia had been part of Spain’s initial squad for the upcoming clash with Croatia, but the medical assessment led to his withdrawal from the camp, while De la Fuente clarified that the decision stemmed from the circumstances rather than the severity of the issue. The staff deemed the knee problem relatively minor, with no sign of a serious injury.
When asked about the decision, De la Fuente said:
"If we’d been in the knockout stages, he would have stayed. We’d all have taken that risk. He wouldn’t have been available for tomorrow’s match, and as for the third match, he might or might not have been. It wasn’t worth taking that risk. Under no circumstances were we going to seek a confrontation with the player."He added that the federation would not confront the player over the matter.
The defender is slated to be available for Barcelona’s La Liga match against Getafe on 10 October, meaning his club duties resume without delay. His return will bolster Barcelona’s defensive options as they prepare for the Getafe match.
Luis de la Fuente avoids clash and bans Eric Garcia from World Cup
Lopez poised for a breakthrough
Fermin Lopez is set to start for Spain against Croatia, offering a fresh option in midfield. The decision reflects De la Fuente’s confidence in the midfielder’s recent club performances.
Lopez has already earned seven caps for the national side, yet he has not started a competitive fixture. The Croatia game could provide his first start in a tournament setting.
When asked about Lopez’s form, De la Fuente responded:
"He’s in fantastic form, just like some of his teammates. He’s versatile. He brings us energy, vitality, intensity, talent, class… We need that sort of player."He stressed that the player’s versatility aligns with Spain’s tactical needs.
La Fuente aims at the Ballon d'Or for Spain, race still open
Spain’s cautious handling of Garcia underscores the federation’s priority on player welfare, while Lopez’s inclusion highlights a shift towards youthful energy ahead of the Croatia encounter. The approach aims to balance fitness concerns with the need for fresh talent as the team prepares for the upcoming international break.