"We will miss him" - Spain coach Luis de la Fuente explains decision to snub Barcelona duo for November's UEFA Nations League fixtures

Spain coach Luis de la Fuente has addressed his decision to exclude Barcelona defenders Inigo Martinez and Pau Cubarsi from the UEFA Nations League games in November. The coach released the squad for the November fixtures on Friday (November 8), excluding the center backs.

Inigo Martinez and Pau Cubarsi have been performing well for Barcelona this season, with both being regular starters for Hansi Flick. However, Cubarsi recently underwent 10 stitches on his face after injuring himself during Barca's last Champions League fixture against Red Star Belgrade (November 6).

In a press conference on Friday, Spanish coach Luis de la Fuente explained his reasons behind excluding both Inigo Martinez and Pau Cubarsi from the squad. Speaking of Cubarsi, he said (via Barca Universal):

"He has a very big and deep wound with 9 stitches and we always take care of the players, Pau will have a few days for the wound to heal and we should not take risks."

De La Fuente next spoke about Martinez, adding:

"We will miss him but we have Aitor Paredes, who is having a great season with Athletic Club."

Apart from Cubarsi and Martinez, the Spain squad also did not feature Barcelona players like Gavi, Fermin Lopez, Alejandro Balde, and Eric Garcia. Meanwhile, De La Fuente included Lamine Yamal, Pedri, and Dani Olmo among the Blaugrana players. 21-year-old Marc Casado also received his first call-up from Spain.

La Roja play Denmark on November 15 and Switzerland on November 18 in the UEFA Nations League.

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"Everything for this badge" - Barcelona defender Pau Cubarsi shares message after undergoing 10 stitches on his face due to injury

Shortly after Barcelona's 5-2 win over Red Star Belgrade in the Champions League on November 6, Pau Cubarsi took to Instagram to share a message for Culers. The 17-year-old had sustained a crucial injury on his face after hitting his face on an opponent's boot, leading to significant bloodshed.

Cubarsi had to be subbed off in the 67th minute, with Sergi Dominguez replacing him on the pitch. After the game, the La Masia graduate reposted an image of himself via Barcelona's official account, writing:

"Everything for this badge."

Pau Cubarsi began his career in Girona, before joining Barca's famed academy, La Masia at the age of 11. The Spaniard made his senior team debut in January 2024 in the Copa del Rey against Unionistas de Salamanca after being subbed on in the 46th minute.

Since his debut, Cubarsi has been crucial for Barca, becoming a frequent starter for both former coach Xavi and current boss Hansi Flick. The youngster has made 40 appearances for La Blaugrana so far, recording two assists.