(Football news) With Pedri limping off with a knee injury in the past game and two members of La Roja’s back four facing suspension, head coach Luis de la Fuente will need to make adjustments to a cohesive and effective team.
Dani Carvajal was sent off against Germany, joining center-back Robin Le Normand on the sidelines. As a result, De la Fuente might rely on a few seasoned reserves to help contain Kylian Mbappe and company.
Le Normand, who will not be able to play against his country of birth, should be replaced by Carvajal’s old Real Madrid teammate Nacho, with 38-year-old Jesus Navas slated to take over at right-back.
Having scored as substitutes in the previous round, Dani Olmo and Mikel Merino will vie to replace Pedri in midfield, with either starting alongside Fabian Ruiz and the irreplaceable Rodri.
In attack, captain Alvaro Morata is flanked by in-demand Nico Williams and teenage star Lamine Yamal, who add pace and verve to a superb passing side.
Ferran Torres and Joselu have been regularly used as impact subs so far at these finals, and both can expect to see some second-half action once again.
Spain possible starting lineup: Simon: Navas, Nacho, Laporte, Cucurella; Olmo, Rodri, Ruiz: Yamal, Morata, Williams
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