Spain shock: Barcelona duo Pedri and Alejandro Balde left out of La Roja squad for Euro 2024 qualifiers

• Alejandro Balde a surprise omission
• Pedri recently recovered from hamstring injury
• Isco also missed out despite strong start to season

WHAT HAPPENED? The Barcelona duo will not be a part of Luis de la Fuente's squad as La Roja take on Cyprus and Georgia next week. Pedri, having returned from a muscle injury last week, was rumoured to have agreed to skip his inclusion. Balde, however, is a surprise omission — the left-back hasn't missed a squad in nearly a year.

THE BIGGER PICTURE: La Roja have already qualified for Euro 2024, but De La Fuente has named a strong squad for the upcoming contests. Other Barcelona players Inigo Martinez, Gavi and Lamine Yamal are among the names selected.

WHAT THEY SAID?: De La Fuente admitted that Balde's exclusion was related to performance issues at a press conference on Friday: "I will only talk about players with physical problems. Balde is another player and I encourage him to continue working harder because it is good for Spanish football."

IN THREE PHOTOS:

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WHAT NEXT? De La Fuente's side will take on Cyprus and Georgia, where they will have the chance to top their Euro 2024 qualifying group — if rivals Scotland drop points.