Spain is eager to ensure that Sergio Lozano is fit for the World Cup. The RFEF has announced that they will head to Uzbekistan with a squad of 16 players. Initially, only 15 were planned. But concerns about the physical condition of the Barça captain have led to Javi Mínguez joining the squad as a backup, while Jesús Gordillo remains a potential option. The final decision will be made by Wednesday, September 4, the deadline for the RFEF to submit the official list of 14 players to FIFA. The national coach, Fede Vidal, cannot delay any longer. It’s worth noting that changes due to injury can still be made. But they must be reported 24 hours before Spain’s debut against Kazakhstan in Andijan on September 15 at 2:30 p.m.
Since returning to action on February 17, after suffering a serious knee injury on April 1, 2023, Sergio Lozano has played 12 competitive matches for Barça. On July 25, during the start of World Cup preparations, the Madrid player admitted that although he finished the season with a hamstring injury. He recovered well and has been training without discomfort. His quality, leadership, and experience are vital for the national team, but the ‘Buffalo’ has only played one of the five scheduled friendly matches. He warmed up against Morocco but didn’t play on August 13 or 14 as a precaution. After 533 days without playing for Spain, Lozano made a remarkable return against Hungary in Ferrol on August 22.
the age factor
At 35, with 110 games played and 89 goals scored, this World Cup in Uzbekistan will be Sergio Lozano’s last chance to win the tournament, and he is determined to seize the opportunity. However, he has missed matches against France and Costa Rica on Monday, August 26, and Wednesday, August 28, respectively, due to an infected wound, according to the RFEF.
Following the match against Costa Rica, the national team’s medical staff met at the Ciudad del Fútbol in Las Rozas. The only decision made was to include Javi Mínguez in the squad to buy more time to make a final call on Lozano. Mínguez, who joined the team on August 5, has played in all the matches and left a strong impression. The 16 players will enjoy three days of rest before the Spanish squad travels to Tajikistan on Sunday, September 1, where they will play their last two friendly matches—on the 5th against the local team and on the 7th against the Netherlands. The team is set to arrive in Uzbekistan on Sunday, September 8, with the final 14 players, while the two others will be left out.
