Spain boss Luis Enrique has hinted at the possible omission of some big-name players from his 2022 FIFA World Cup squad, with the manager having now sent a warning to an FC Barcelona and Manchester City duo.
La Furia Roja concluded their international break with a dramatic UEFA Nations League win over Portugal on Tuesday night.
An 88th-minute strike by striker Alvaro Morata was enough to see the Spaniards reach the semi-finals of the tournament alongside Croatia, Italy, and the Netherlands.
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While there was jubilation for the 2010 FIFA World Cup champions at the Estadio Municipal de Braga as a result, the coach expressed his concerns after the match regarding some notable absentees from his squad with less than two months before the global showpiece in Qatar kicks off.
The tactician made it clear he needs to see Barca teen sensation Ansu Fati, City defender Aymeric Laporte, who recently returned to the training pitch from an injury, and Real Sociedad forward Mikel Oyarzabal get some serious minutes for their clubs over the next few weeks if they are to stand a chance of going to the World Cup in November.
"Now there could be up to 26 on the bench, but it is something that could have repercussions for the health of the group," Enrique said, per Football Espana.
"It could be a squad of 26 or 24. I haven't decided.
"I need to see Ansu Fati playing at Barca, [Aymeric] Laporte is already recovered and is training with his team, and [Mikel] Oyarzabal I prefer not to say anything. Let's see how he recovers.
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"But it is true that it will be a difficult squad and not everyone that I would like will be in it."
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