Eric García was already at Barcelona’s training ground on Sunday, less than 24 hours after pulling out of Spain’s win over England at Wembley in the warm-up. On Monday, De la Fuente was asked at the pre-match press conference in Seville why the defender had not been kept in the squad even as a precaution.

His answer went beyond a routine injury update.

“In no case were we going to look for conflict. We want them to play when they are sure,” De la Fuente said, as reported by El Gol Digital.

The head coach explained the calculation. García was not going to be available for Croatia in any case, and his fitness for the third fixture, against the Czech Republic on 3 October, was uncertain enough to make keeping him in Seville pointless.

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“If we had been in a final stage, he would have stayed,” he said. “But since we were not certain he would make the third match, this is better.”

The knee scare at Wembley

García felt discomfort in his left knee during the pre-match warm-up on Saturday and was withdrawn from the starting eleven, with Marc Pubill taking his place at right back, beIN Sports reported. Tests carried out after the squad returned to Spain pointed to a minor issue, and the Spanish federation announced his release from camp on Sunday.

Robin Le Normand, the Atlético de Madrid defender, was called up in his place. Spain went on to beat England 3-2 at Wembley, with Lamine Yamal, Álex Baena and Mikel Oyarzabal scoring.

Barcelona shaped the call

De la Fuente returned to the point later in the press conference.

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“I repeat, above all because we were in no way going to look for a situation of conflict, of stress with the player, because what we want is for them to play when they are sure,” De la Fuente said in comments reported by FutbolFantasy.

García has been a fixture in Hansi Flick’s back line at Barcelona this season, starting all six LaLiga matches so far with 469 minutes played across centre back and right back. The club expect him fit for Saturday’s LaLiga trip to Getafe.

Spain host Croatia at the Sánchez-Pizjuán on Tuesday.

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