Luis de la Fuente reveals why Barcelona star missed Spain squad cut | OneFootball

Luis de la Fuente has opened up on his decision not to name Barcelona No.1 Joan Garcia in his latest Spain squad.

The La Roja head coach has confirmed his panel for the start of 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification next month with a double header away at Bulgaria and Turkey.

De la Fuente has made some bold choices for the return to action with veteran duo Rodri Hernandez and Dani Carvajal both recalled following injury issues.

Five Barcelona players have been named by De la Fuente with Lamine Yamal, Pau Cubarsi, Pedri, Gavi and Fermin Lopez included but Joan Garcia, Alejandro Balde and Ferran Torres were left out.

Garcia completed a summer transfer switch across Catalonia, after swapping Espanyol for Barcelona, with his registration issue now resolved.

The club prioritised his paperwork with La Liga and the 24-year-old has started both of Barcelona’s league games so far this season.

De la Fuente was expected to call him up to the senior squad for the first time, with the potential of a senior debut, after winning gold at the Summer Olympics in Paris last summer.

Image via FC Barcelona

However, De la Fuente has stuck with his tried and trusted goal keeper trio of Unai Simon, David Raya and Alex Remiro, with Simon still No.1.

“It would not call him up because he’s now at Barca. He did well at Espanyol,” as per Diario AS.

“I met him when he was 18 or 19. I know his potential from previous seasons. He could easily make it. If I felt pressure, I would have brought him in. I don’t feel it for him or anyone else.

“It’s not easy to get into a squad of 23. These squads are of a very high standard. It’s not easy to remove those who are already there.

“In the top 10 goalkeepers, there are six or seven Spaniards.

“Joan’s time will come for sure.”