Big Boost For Spain As Rodri, Dani Carvajal Return To Squad For WC Qualifiers

Last Updated:August 30, 2025, 17:16 IST

Rodri and Dani Carvajal return from injury to join Spain’s squad for World Cup qualifiers against Bulgaria and Turkey. Joan Garcia and Alejandro Balde are not included.

Rodri has only recently recovered from his ACL injury. (PC: @ManCity/X)

Manchester City midfielder Rodri and Real Madrid right back Dani Carvajal have been named in the Spain squad for next month’s World Cup qualifiers against Bulgaria and Turkey, following their recovery from anterior cruciate ligament injuries.

Ballon d’Or holder Rodri missed most of last season due to a knee injury and later sustained a groin problem at the Club World Cup in July.

The 29-year-old made a substitute appearance in City’s 2-0 home defeat to Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League last weekend, having missed their opener against Wolverhampton Wanderers because of the groin injury.

Carvajal, 33, returned to action in the Club World Cup semi-finals after being sidelined for nine months.

“The important thing is that they are back to contribute a lot," Spain manager Luis de la Fuente told reporters on Friday. “The best in the world in their positions, and they contribute a lot to us both on and off the pitch.

“I’ve brought them in because it’s a new stage and they’re going to contribute a lot. We need everyone involved and with a clear idea of what’s at stake. We have a very tough qualifying campaign and we want to consolidate the concept of family from the start.

“Both are training and playing well. They know their role. It doesn’t mean that if they come, they’re guaranteed to play, but what I am clear about is that they will both be vital."

Barcelona’s new goalkeeper, Joan Garcia, and left back Alejandro Balde were not included in the 26-member squad.

Spain, the Euro 2024 winners, visit Bulgaria on Thursday before travelling to Turkey on September 7.

Spain squad:

Goalkeepers: Unai Simon, David Raya, Alex Remiro

Defenders: Dani Carvajal, Pedro Porro, Robin Le Normand, Dean Huijsen, Dani Vivian, Pau Cubarsi, Marc Cucurella, Alejandro Grimaldo

Midfielders: Rodri, Zubimendi, Fabian Ruiz, Pedri, Mikel Merino, Gavi, Fermin Lopez

Forwards: Alvaro Morata, Mikel Oyarzabal, Ferran Torres, Dani Olmo, Lamine Yamal, Nico Williams, Yeremy Pino, Jesus Rodriguez

(With Reuters Inputs)

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First Published:

August 30, 2025, 17:16 IST

News sports Big Boost For Spain As Rodri, Dani Carvajal Return To Squad For WC Qualifiers

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