Spain return to the 2026 World Cup qualifying round in Europe with a series of important absences across all lines due to injury.

Wings Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams, Gavi, Fermin Lopez, Dani Carvajal are among those who have to stay home. In addition, recently, central defenders Dean Huijsen and Dani Olmo also had to withdraw due to injury.

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Pedri is the Spanish captain. Photo: SEFutbol

Despite these losses, coach Luis de la Fuente remains confident of Spain's quality, depth and competitiveness.

“We are very lucky. We have a team that is in a great stage of development,” De la Fuente confidently declared to the press.

The EURO 2024 champion coach stressed: “Now we have Oyarzabal, Mikel Merino, Ferran Torres... They have a huge influence on the team. The team respects their role; there is no ego here .”

Asked about the absence of Lamine Yamal, coach De la Fuente was confident: “I am not worried; there are many options. Ferran can also play there, as well as Jesus Rodriguez, De Frutos and other players in our plans.

I think I'm very lucky because I can pick 40 to 50 players. I can build two or three teams. I want everyone to be healthy; that's the only thing that worries me . "

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Kvaratskhelia and her teammates confidently challenge Spain. Photo: GFF

This promises to be an interesting match, as Georgia is very confident with leaders Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Giorgi Mikautadze.

Kvaratskhelia is at the heart of Georgia's play, with his technical skills and speed. Since joining PSG with Luis Enrique, the former Napoli player has matured in many ways.

“It’s positive that we have enough time to prepare. The most important thing is that all the players feel good,” said the striker nicknamed Kvaradona. He thanked PSG for “helping me a lot to be 100% ready for this match.”

Meanwhile, striker Mikautadze - who is shining with Villarreal in La Liga - confidently challenges the Spanish defense.

“La Roja” is considered to be superior in terms of personnel and team cohesion. However, Georgia will make the home team have a difficult match.

Force:

Spain: Lamine Yamal, Dani Olmo, Fermin Lopez, Gavi, Carvajal, Huijsen, Nico Williams are injured.

Georgia: Chakvetadze injured.

Expected lineup:

Spain (4-3-3): Unai Simon; Porro, Le Normand, Cubarsi, Cucurella; Mikel Merino, Zubimendi, Pedri; Pino, Oyarzabal, Ferran Torres.

Georgia (4-4-2): Mamardashvili; Kakabadze, Kashia, Goglichidze, Lochoshvili; Gagnidze, Kochorashvili, Mekvabishvili, Davitashvili; Mikautadze, Kvaratskhelia.

Match odds: Spain handicap 2 1/4

Goal ratio: 3 1/2

Prediction: Spain win 3-1 .

Source: https://vietnamnet.vn/nhan-dinh-bong-da-tay-ban-nha-vs-georgia-vong-loai-world-cup-2026-2451409.html