Surprise Factor In The World Cup?

Merino, Arsenal's 'phoenix', joins La Roja: Surprise factor in the World Cup?

The midfielder, recovered from a long injury, lands at the Las Rozas camp with his sights set on his World Cup debut.

The air in the Soccer City of Las Rozas is one of pure expectation. The Spanish team, under the leadership of Luis de la Fuente, has taken another step towards the World Cup with the arrival of Mikel Merino. The Arsenal midfielder, whose presence was uncertain after a serious injury, joins the Red's discipline, raising the number of those called up to 23 for the World Cup event that starts on June 15.

Merino's story is one of resilience. A footballer who has had to row against the current to be where he is. A stress fracture in his foot kept him off the playing field for four long months. A period of time that for any elite athlete becomes an eternity, especially when the goal is a competition as important as a World Cup.

Since his return at the end of May, Merino has barely played 28 minutes on the pitch. His last appearance was on May 24, in a match against Crystal Palace. A timid return that, however, has not diminished the coach's confidence in his talent and his ability to contribute to the team.

Last Saturday's Champions League final, a vibrant duel that pitted his club, Arsenal, against Paris Saint-Germain, was experienced from the sidelines for Merino. His team, despite fighting until the last moment, gave in to the rival in the penalty shootout. A bittersweet defeat for Arsenal and, for Merino, one more example of the importance of being present, even on the bench, in big events.

Despite this limited amount of minutes, Luis de la Fuente has not hesitated to bet on him. The coach has publicly defended his inclusion, arguing that Merino embodies fundamental values ​​for the spirit of this team. “Mikel Merino presents many values ​​that this selection and this team has. If I have to pick him up at his house to come, I will do it. Mikel Merino must always wait for him,” De la Fuente declared a week ago, making clear his blind faith in the player.

The coach's vision goes beyond immediate physical fitness. De la Fuente understands that Merino's experience and quality can be a differentiating factor. Furthermore, he argues that his gradual recovery could mean that he arrives at the World Cup less fatigued than other teammates who have played a full season. A strategy that seeks to have the players at their peak performance at the key moment.

With the arrival of Merino, the Spanish expedition has 23 troops. There are still three names left to join the concentration. David Raya, Martín Zubimendi, both from Arsenal, and Fabián Ruiz, from PSG, are the latest to join the national team discipline. His arrival is scheduled for Wednesday, before the team heads to La Coruña.

In Galician lands, Spain will play a preparatory friendly on June 4 against Iraq. One last rehearsal before heading to Chattanooga, in Atlanta, where the base camp for the first phase of the tournament will be established. June 5 marks the arrival in this American town, from where the team will embark on a trip to Puebla, Mexico.

There, on June 8, they will face Peru in a last friendly before the World Cup debut. After this meeting, the expedition will return to Chattanooga to finalize the details and prepare with maximum intensity for the first match of the World Cup, which will pit Spain against Cape Verde on June 15. A debut that promises strong emotions and where the presence of a recovered Mikel Merino could be the surprise that drives La Roja.

Frequently Asked Questions

When does Spain debut in the World Cup?
Spain debuts in the World Cup on June 15 against Cape Verde.

How many players does the Spanish team already have in training?
With the arrival of Mikel Merino, the Spanish team now has 23 of the 26 called up.

Who are the last three players to join the training camp?
The last to join will be David Raya, Martín Zubimendi and Fabián Ruiz.

Where will Spain establish its base camp for the first phase of the World Cup?
Spain will establish its base camp in Chattanooga, Atlanta.

Against which teams will Spain play in preparatory friendlies?
Spain will play friendlies against Iraq (June 4) and Peru (June 8).

What was Mikel Merino's injury?
Mikel Merino suffered a stress fracture in his foot that kept him off the playing field for four months.

How many minutes has Merino played since his return?
Since his return, Merino has only played 28 minutes.

What opinion does Luis de la Fuente have about the inclusion of Merino?
Luis de la Fuente has publicly defended his inclusion, highlighting his values ​​and his importance to the team.

What is the coach's strategy with Merino?
The strategy seeks for Merino to arrive at the World Cup in his best moment, possibly less fatigued than other players.

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