Luis de la Fuente explains 25-year-old Barcelona star’s absence and says he’s still in Spain’s plans | OneFootball

A significant part of the FC Barcelona squad is currently away on international duty, with players called up by their national teams training and playing for their countries. Meanwhile, those not selected for this break trained under Hansi Flick on Monday.

One of the players who surprisingly did not get called up by his national team during this break was the defender Eric Garcia, who has emerged as a key player for Flick in the last few months.

In fact, as Mundo Deportivo has reported, the Spanish national team coach, Luis de la Fuente, was asked why the defender was not called up as he talked to the press ahead of the game against Egypt, to which he replied:

“To be clear, Eric has been with me in the U-19, U-21, and Olympic teams… He is a proven player and very much appreciated by the Federation and by me, especially.”

Luis de la Fuente made it clear that Garcia’s omission was not due to a lack of form.

The Spanish tactician kept the door open for the 25-year-old defender to make the 2026 World Cup squad:

“The doors are still opening for many. Hopefully, Eric will be recovered soon, and we’ll have difficulties choosing the squad.”

Like de la Fuente, Barcelona fans will also be hoping that Eric Garcia will continue playing at the level he has shown up to now, and will be able to represent his country in the upcoming World Cup.