Spain’s head coach may be without some of his key players for the UEFA Nations League matches in June. The extended club season due to the Club World Cup has caused controversy among European clubs and could impact national teams.

Spain will face France in Stuttgart on June 5. De la Fuente aims to defend their title from two years ago after also winning Euro 2024 last summer.

If they advance to the final, they will face either Germany or Portugal just three days later, while the Club World Cup begins on June 14.

One of De la Fuente’s key decisions is the return of Rodri, who has not played for Manchester City since September due to an ACL injury.

Guardiola is confident that his experienced midfielder can return for the upcoming FA Cup final, but all parties will proceed with caution. Guardiola wants his Ballon d’Or winner available for the Club World Cup, and playing in the Nations League could be beneficial or risky for City.

According to Relevo, De la Fuente will announce his squad on May 26, one day after La Liga ends, and will delay decisions on Rodri and Dani Carvajal until the last moment. He will also discuss Rodri’s participation in the Club World Cup with Guardiola to ensure the player’s fitness. There are also doubts about the striker position. Nico Williams and Lamine Yamal are options on the wings, but Álvaro Morata’s starting spot is not guaranteed despite retaining the captain’s armband. Mikel Oyarzabal, who scored twice in Spain’s 3-3 draw against the Netherlands in March, is another contender. Ferran Torres has also been performing well for Barcelona, while Ioseba Pérez is another option after an impressive season with Villarreal.