Luis de la Fuente has already told Hansi Flick: 'I'm calling him up because there aren't any more'

The Spanish national team is already gathered in Las Rozas to prepare for the next two qualifying matches for the 2026 World Cup. Luis de la Fuente knows that much of the work is already done, but he is also aware that a single misstep could put qualification at risk. Missing out on the World Cup is not an option, so the coach has put together a list in which he has tried to bring together, as much as possible, the best 26.

As expected, the draft has caused multiple reactions, especially in Can Barça. The Catalan club is one of the main sources of talent for the Spanish national team, but the tense relationship between Luis de la Fuente and Hansi Flick has clouded that union. The latest decisions by the national team have been surprising and have caused some discomfort within Camp Nou.

Lamine Yamal lit the fuse

The case that best exemplifies this tension is that of Lamine Yamal. The young Barça star was initially included in the list, but he was dropped at the last minute after undergoing an unexpected medical treatment to relieve his pubalgia discomfort. The procedure, carried out without prior notice to the Federation, sparked a strong controversy between the medical staffs of both institutions.

As a result, Lamine will be out for between 7 and 10 days, missing the matches against Georgia and Türkiye. RFEF did not hide their surprise at Barça's decision, but Hansi Flick has defended the club's actions, stating that the player's health comes first. The episode has significantly deteriorated the relationship between the German coach and the Spanish manager.

Pau Cubarsí, the other protagonist

Another name that has stirred emotions at Camp Nou is Pau Cubarsí. The young center-back has been dealing with discomfort for weeks and many thought that Luis de la Fuente would leave him out so he could rest and recover, but he has ultimately been drafted. In a normal situation, Cubarsí would not be a starter, but Le Normand's absence has put him in an unexpected position.

At Barça, they believe that taking Pau Cubarsí to this training camp is reckless. However, Luis de la Fuente has not changed his mind and has decided to include the defender anyway. According to sources close to the Federation, he has been very clear in justifying his decision: "I'm calling him up because there are no others."

With Le Normand out and players like Eric García or Raúl Asencio out of the Spanish national team's plans, the options have been reduced to a minimum. Luis de la Fuente doesn't fully trust Pau Cubarsí, as his past decisions show. Even so, his style fits the type of soccer he wants to implement in La Roja.

At Barça, they do not share that view and believe that pushing such a young footballer could have consequences in the medium term. Hansi Flick knows that the schedule is truly demanding and he had hoped that Pau Cubarsí could stay in Barcelona resting. Meanwhile, Luis de la Fuente has been clear and forceful, prioritizing the national team's success.