The Spanish Football Federation has submitted the final roster of 14 players to FIFA for the World Cup, with coach Fede Vidal including Sergio Lozano. The Barça captain was a major doubt due to his fitness, but the Andalusian coach has expressed full confidence in the versatile Madrid player. Javi Mínguez and Jesús Gordillo were cut from the team. It’s important to note that any injury-related changes must be reported 24 hours before Spain’s first match against Kazakhstan on September 15 in Andijan at 5:00 p.m. Therefore, both Movistar Inter’s new signing and the Palma Futsal pivot will travel to Uzbekistan with the squad, which is currently in Tajikistan.
Sergio Lozano, who was injured on April 1, 2023, returned on February 17, 2024, after his fourth surgery on his right knee in eight years. The Barça captain has only played 13 matches over the past 522 days—12 with his club and 1 with Spain on August 22, marking his national team return after 533 days. His comeback against Hungary in Ferrol was incredibly emotional.
Since the training camp started, the coaching staff has closely monitored Lozano, ensuring he is in top condition for the World Cup. He did not play against Morocco on August 13 and 14,. But his absence from games against France and Costa Rica on August 26 and 28 caused concern. Before leaving for Tajikistan, a medical meeting in Las Rozas resulted in the decision to include Javi Mínguez in the squad. Which temporarily grew to 16 players as a precaution. Mínguez, who joined the pre-World Cup training camp on August 5, has impressed, scoring a goal against Morocco and serving as a potential backup for Lozano.
Last Dance
Since announcing the roster on July 1, Fede Vidal had already decided against including a traditional pivot. Initially, Daniel Gabriel was selected but had to withdraw due to personal reasons, and Jesús Gordillo replaced him. Both were aware of their roles. Understanding that Vidal does not prioritize the 3-1 formation, instead relying on Raúl Gómez and Raúl Campos in flexible roles. Vidal is committed to the 4-0 setup.
Additionally, Vidal sees Lozano as a key leader, alongside captain Raúl Campos. At 35 years old, with 110 international caps and 89 goals over 15 seasons, this World Cup in Uzbekistan will be Lozano’s third and likely his last chance to become a world champion. A title Spain has not won in two decades. As part of the final preparation, Spain will play two friendlies in Dushanbe, the capital of Tajikistan—first against the hosts on Thursday and then against the Netherlands on Saturday. Lozano will need to prove he is fully fit before Spain’s World Cup opener.