Barcelona loanee in contention to take Fermin Lopez’s place in Spain squad for the World Cup | OneFootball

As confirmed earlier today, FC Barcelona midfielder Fermin Lopez has suffered a fracture of the fifth metatarsal in his right foot and will be undergoing surgery for the same.

In what comes as a bitter blow for the Spaniard, he will be unable to make it to the Spain squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup as a result, as he is likely to be out of action for two months.

A guarantee in the Spain roster when fit and available, Fermin’s absence will be a setback for manager Luis de la Fuente.

Ansu Fati an option to replace Fermin

After the initial disappointment, the focus has shifted to finding a replacement from the preliminary list of 55 players submitted to FIFA last week. One of the names, according to SPORT, is Ansu Fati.

Fermin will be a big miss for Spain at the World Cup. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

Currently on loan at AS Monaco from Barcelona, the La Masia graduate has enjoyed a productive 2025/26 season – so much so that the Ligue 1 club is expected to activate his €11 million buy option and sign him permanently.

In 30 matches across all competitions for the Principality club, Ansu has netted 12 goals. The 23-year-old forward has netted three goals in his last five matches and is starting to show signs of rediscovering his best form.

As such, Ansu is one of the players Luis de la Fuente is considering. He already won the UEFA Nations League in 2023 under the current Spain boss, who trusts the Barcelona academy graduate.

Fati’s profile would suit the left-sided role Fermin had been occupying recently. He could also serve as an alternative to Nico Williams, who arrives at the tournament carrying some doubts after a recent injury.

Ansu Fati headed to the World Cup? (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

What are the other options?

However, Ansu is not the only candidate on De la Fuente’s table to replace Fermin at the moment.

Alberto Moleiro, a transfer target for Barcelona, and Pablo Fornals are also being considered, as they offer creativity in the final third. Competition for a place in the final 26 is intense.

De la Fuente will announce his final squad on May 25. The team will gather on May 30 in Las Rozas.

Spain will play Iraq on June 4, then travel for friendlies against Peru on June 8 before heading to Mexico and setting up base for their World Cup opener on June 15 vs Cape Verde.