While Brazil were unable to select two of their Real Madrid representatives, Spain have made the historic choice not to include any member of Los Blancos’ squad for the first time in their World Cup history.
The most surprising omission to that end was Dean Huijsenwho had endured an up-and-down first season at the Bernabeu following his summer arrival from Bournemouth, but was still expected to not just be part of Luis de la Fuente’s roster this summer, but start for the European champions, given he had been named to the line up on six of the previous seven occasions he had been available for La Roja.
At the other end of his career, Dani Carvajal may have played his final game for his country after the veteran right-back was also left at home.
Spain have suffered from injuries, too, with the most notable absentee on that front being Fermin Lopez. At the end of a season in which he produced 30 combined goals and assists, the Barcelona midfielder suffered a broken foot that required surgery and thus ruled him out of the upcoming tournament. Porto striker Samu Aghehowameanwhile, suffered a torn ACL in February.
