Spain face fresh injury concerns ahead of the World Cup | OneFootball

Reigning European champions Spain, among the favourites for next summer’s World Cup in the United States, Mexico and Canada, are dealing with mounting fitness setbacks that could affect their status.

Across the two-year gap between their Euro triumph and the World Cup, injuries have piled up over the past year. According to Superdeporte, this run of issues could undermine Spain’s position as front-runners.

Fabián Ruiz is not at the level he showed during the Euros. The Paris Saint-Germain midfielder has not played since 16 January because of a knee problem he has yet to shake, having been pivotal for Spain and important for his club.

He has recently resumed ball work in training, but a short-term return to selection is not expected. Since his injury he has missed seven PSG matches and will miss an eighth this Wednesday in the second leg of the Champions League play-off round against Monaco. On 12 February, Luis Enrique said he did not know when Ruiz would return, though he was improving.

Later in March, Luis de la Fuente will name Spain’s final squad before the World Cup, a list that will very probably mirror the travelling party. For now, Ruiz’s availability is uncertain. Mikel Merino, a regular, is out long term and his inclusion in March is ruled out, while Nico Williams and Rodri could also miss that camp as they manage recent problems.

Source: Superdeporte