At Barcelona, the sporting management makes no secret of its ongoing concern about international breaks. For the club, players traveling with their national teams pose a risk of injuries and fatigue, a risk no coaching staff wants at this crucial stage of the season.
But this time, a different feeling prevails within the halls of Camp Nou: a mixture of surprise and relief.
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The reason is the absence of Eric Garcia from the Spanish national team squad, despite him being one of Barcelona’s most consistent and influential players this season. It was an unexpected decision, but one that was met with clear satisfaction by Hansi Flick and sporting director Deco, especially since Garcia occupies the starting center-back position.
Inside Barcelona, there is no doubt: Eric Garcia is currently the best defender in the team’s lineup.
Whenever Flick gives him the opportunity, he delivers high-level performances and has successfully established himself as a true leader in the back line alongside the young Kubarsi. Therefore, his absence from the Spanish national team seemed surprising from a technical standpoint, but it is a relief for the club, which prefers to maintain its defensive stability.
De la Fuente Sticks to His Men
The truth is, Luis de la Fuente isn’t known for easily changing his mind. The Spanish coach has achieved considerable success with his current squad, from winning the European Championship to reaching the UEFA Nations League final, and he feels indebted to the players who have been part of these achievements.
That’s why he continues to rely on names like Laporte and Le Normand, even though Eric Garcia has outperformed them both physically and technically this season.
This reality makes Eric realize that his brilliance with Barcelona doesn’t necessarily guarantee him a place in the national team. Even with his versatility and ability to play as a center-back or substitute, his chances remain limited unless there’s a sudden change of heart from de la Fuente.
Within the club, the situation is clear: Barcelona’s best defender, and perhaps one of the best Spanish defenders currently, may be out of the running for the 2026 World Cup.
Therefore, Eric Garcia has little incentive to wait and see. He knows that merit alone won’t be enough to convince the national team coach, at least not at the moment.
