Spain boss Luis Enrique has been forced into a last-gasp change to his World Cup squad after former Arsenal transfer target Jose Luis Gaya picked up an ankle injury in the training. The Valencia left-back, who had been in line to start for La Roja, has now been dealt a heartbreaking blow after being told he won’t be risked for the tournament in Qatar.
Gaya is only expected to be sidelined for around a week with the ankle sprain but Enrique isn’t prepared to carry passengers as his targets World Cup glory in the Middle East 12 years on from Spain’s memorable triumph in South Africa in 2010.
He told reporters earlier on Thursday evening: “The information [on Gaya’s injury] belongs to the player and the doctors, more specifically the player. Tomorrow we will make a decision on it and we will inform you of it.”
Barcelona 19-year-old starlet Alejandro Balde is expected to receive the nod in Gaya’s place – even though he is yet to make an appearance for the senior side.
The highly-rated teenager has made 16 appearances in all competitions for Barca this season, four of which have come in the Champions League.
JUST IN: Man Utd wonderkid Alejandro Garnacho likes controversial tweet after World Cup snub
Jordi Alba and Chelsea captain Cesar Azpilicueta will also be on hand to provide some extra cover and experience at left-back if required.
La Roja face Costa Rica in Doha on November 23 before locking horns with Germany and Japan.
There have been no significant disruptions in the Spain camp this time around, unlike 2018 when head coach Julen Lopetegui was sacked on the eve of the tournament.
Fernando Hierro replaced him as interim coach before 52-year-old tactician Enrique returned to the fold in 2019.
He guided his side to the semi-finals of the European Championships where Spain would later lose on penalties to Italy following a 1-1 draw after 120 minutes at Wembley.
There have already been several high-profile notable absentees from the Spain squad for Qatar as Enrique demonstrated his ruthless streak.
Both Sergio Ramos and Thiago Alcantara missed out on his final 26-man squad in what came as a huge surprise to those in opposition circles.
Spain have instead decided to focus on their fresh young core spearheaded by highly-rated Barcelona trio Pedri, Ansu Fati and Gavi.