Spain facing injury battle ahead of decisive qualifiers

MADRID (AP) — Spain enters its decisive World Cup qualifiers against Greece and Sweden without some key players because of injuries.

Nine players are not available for coach Luis Enrique for the matches at Greece on Thursday and against Sweden on Sunday.

Spain enters its final two matches in second place in Group B, two points behind Sweden and four ahead of third- place Greece. Only the group winners directly qualify for next year’s tournament in Qatar, while the second- place finishers will have to go through a playoff.

Pedri González, Ferran Torres and Marcos Llorente, who helped lead Spain to the semifinals of the European Championship a few months ago, are among those who couldn’t be called up by Luis Enrique.

Also missing from the Euro 2020 squad are Gerard Moreno, Mikel Oyarzabal and Eric García.

García was was hurt while playing for Barcelona in the Spanish league, as was young forward Ansu Fati, who was returning to the national team after a long absence because of another injury.

Yeremi Pino was another player who got injured and had to be replaced after being called up.

Lui s Enr ique sai d Wednesday that Mikel Merino also isn’t likely to play on Thursday, though he will remain with the squad.

“We have to focus on what we can control,” Luis Enrique said. “I’m thrilled with the players I was able to bring. Fortunately, I’m a coach who can choose from at least 60 players who have a lot of quality. We are prepared.”

The coach was able to get a few players back after they recovered from recent injuries, including Pau Torres, José Luis Gayà, Jordi Alba, Álvaro Morata and Dani Olmo.