Barcelona defender set to be excluded from Spain squad for the UEFA Nations League | OneFootball

With the 2024/25 season almost over, the international window will be upon us in early June and the semi-finals of the UEFA Nations League will take centre stage.

Reigning European champions Spain will be in action against France for a spot in the finals and a large number of FC Barcelona players are expected to be called up to the squad.

Indeed, the likes of Lamine Yamal, Pedri, Pau Cubarsi, and Dani Olmo are regulars in Luis de la Fuente’s setup and will be involved.

No Inigo Martinez

However, according to Radio MARCA, veteran Barcelona defender Inigo Martinez will not be called up by the Spain manager for next month’s Nations League assignment.

Inigo was named in the La Roja squad during the last international break in March after a lengthy absence. However, the centre-back was forced to withdraw at the last moment due to an injury.

No Spain call-up for Inigo. (Photo by Judit Cartiel/Getty Images)

The 34-year-old seasoned campaigner has been one of Barcelona’s most reliable performers this season, excelling alongside Pau Cubarsi and playing an important part in the Catalans’ domestic treble success.

Despite his form, though, Martinez is not expected to be called up by De la Fuente for next month’s matches as he has his preferred centre-backs like Cubarsi, Aymeric Laporte, Dani Vivian, and Dean Huijsen all fit and available.

As such, the Barcelona veteran must face the disappointment of not being called up to the national team, months after he was forced to drop out with an injury.

Meanwhile, Ferran Torres, currently recovering from an appendicitis surgery, is not entirely ruled out of the picture and it remains to be seen whether his name features on the squad list that will be announced on Monday, May 26.