Fermin Lopez returns as Josep Martinez earns first Spain call-up
Fermin Lopez is back in Spain’s squad after missing the World Cup through injury, while Inter goalkeeper Josep Martinez has received his first senior call-up following Joan Garcia’s knee problem.
Barcelona midfielder Lopez returns in place of club colleague Gavi and is one of seven Barcelona players selected by Luis de la Fuente. His strong start to the domestic season has pushed him back into the international picture as Spain prepare for their next Nations League fixtures.
Martinez joins Unai Simon and David Raya in the goalkeeping group, with Leo Roman missing out on the third spot. Joan Garcia’s injury forced the change between the posts.
Spain squad changes
- Fermin Lopez: Recalled after his injury-hit World Cup absence; Gavi is not included.
- Josep Martinez: Inter’s goalkeeper earns a maiden senior selection because of Joan Garcia’s knee injury.
- Dean Huijsen: The defender is rewarded after progressing under Jose Mourinho and offers cover in central and wide defensive roles.
- Roberto Fernandez: Espanyol’s forward wins his place after scoring six La Liga goals, level with Rayo Vallecano striker Camello.
Huijsen joins a largely settled defensive unit. Aymeric Laporte and Pau Cubarsi remain central options, while Marc Pubill and Eric Garcia add flexibility. Alejandro Grimaldo and Marc Cucurella continue as left-sided choices, with Pedro Porro retained on the right.
Spain’s midfield keeps its established core around Rodrigo Hernandez, Martin Zubimendi, Pedri Gonzalez, Fabian Ruiz, Mikel Merino and Alex Baena, with Lopez now added back into the group.
Roberto Fernandez has taken advantage of Borja Iglesias not being at full fitness. Gonzalo, who has made an impact at Fulham, and Real Madrid prospect Carlos Espi were also among the attacking options considered. Dani Olmo and Ferran Torres provide additional versatility in the final third.
Spain squad
Goalkeepers
- Unai Simon — Athletic Club
- David Raya — Arsenal
- Josep Martinez — Inter Milan
Defenders
- Pedro Porro — Tottenham Hotspur
- Aymeric Laporte — Athletic Club
- Pau Cubarsi — Barcelona
- Marc Pubill — Atletico Madrid
- Eric Garcia — Barcelona
- Marc Cucurella — Real Madrid
- Alejandro Grimaldo — Atletico de Madrid
- Dean Huijsen — Real Madrid
Midfielders
- Rodrigo Hernandez — Barcelona
- Martin Zubimendi — Arsenal
- Pedri Gonzalez — Barcelona
- Fabian Ruiz — Paris Saint-Germain
- Mikel Merino — Arsenal
- Fermin Lopez — Barcelona
- Alex Baena — Atletico de Madrid
Forwards
- Mikel Oyarzabal — Real Sociedad
- Lamine Yamal — Barcelona
- Ferran Torres — Paris Saint-Germain
- Roberto Fernandez — Espanyol
- Dani Olmo — Barcelona
- Victor Munoz — Liverpool
- Nico Williams — Athletic Club
- Yeremy Pino — Crystal Palace
What happens next
De la Fuente’s group will gather for Nations League action, with matches scheduled across London, Seville, Oviedo and Split. Lopez will look to establish himself again in Spain’s evolving midfield, while Martinez and Roberto Fernandez have the chance to make their senior international debuts.
