Spain squad: Dean Huijsen in contention as Luis de la Fuente weighs up changes

Luis de la Fuente is preparing to name a Spain squad for four Nations League matches, with Dean Huijsen among the players who could be included after his strong start at Real Madrid.

The core of the selection is expected to remain the group that won the World Cup, although several developments are likely to force changes for the next international window.

There should be no alteration in goal, with Unai Simon, David Raya and Juan Garcia expected to be selected. However, if the Barcelona goalkeeper suffers a setback with his knee, Alex Remiro could return. De la Fuente could also choose four goalkeepers, as he did in the previous window before the World Cup.

Defensive changes appear more likely. Marcos Llorente’s retirement and doubts over Pedro Porro because of muscular problems have opened up the right-back position.

Eric Garcia is a leading option there, while Marc Pubill can also operate in the role. Sporting CP’s Ivan Fresneda is waiting for his opportunity, with Oscar Mingueza remaining a regular alternative. Juan Iglesias of Sevilla is also continuing to impress, although his chances of selection appear more limited.

In central defence, Pau Cubarsi and Aymeric Laporte remain the leading pairing. Eric Garcia and Pubill offer versatile cover, while Huijsen could be rewarded for his impressive beginning to life at Real Madrid.

Kike Salas, another Sevilla player, is among those who could receive a first Spain call-up after making a strong start to the season. Como defender Jacobo Ramon is also being considered.

Changes are expected at right-back and in central defence, but Marc Cucurella and Alejandro Grimaldo are regarded as secure options at left-back.

Midfield and attack

The only possible midfield alteration is the return of Fermin Lopez in place of Gavi. Gavi will miss the opening match at Wembley through suspension and has also lost his starting place at Barcelona after the injury he suffered against Elche at the beginning of the league season.

Despite that, Gavi remains highly valued by De la Fuente and cannot be ruled out of the squad.

There is one fewer place available in attack compared with the World Cup-winning selection, with the competition focused on the third striker’s position. Mikel Oyarzabal and Ferran Torres are expected to be included, leaving the spot previously held by Borja Iglesias.

Borja Iglesias began the season with a soleus muscle problem and has made only limited appearances. Younger forwards Sergio Camello, Roberto, Espe and Gonzalo are pushing strongly for selection.

Only 23 players can be registered for Nations League group-stage match squads, compared with 26 in the finals. However, Spain are expected to name an expanded squad because they will play four matches and need to rotate their players.

Barcelona are set to provide the largest group of representatives, with Juan Garcia, Eric Garcia, Pau Cubarsi, Pedri, Dani Olmo, Rodri and Lamine Yamal expected to be selected. Gavi and Fermin Lopez could join them, while Xavi Espart is another possibility. In the best-case scenario, Spain could include 10 Barcelona players.

Spain begin their Nations League campaign against England in London on 26 September, before facing Croatia in Seville on 29 September. They then play Czechia in Oviedo on 3 October and finish the window against Croatia in Split on 6 October.