Czech national team defender Vladimír Coufal will miss Saturday’s UEFA Nations League away match against world and European champions Spain due to an ongoing knee problem, sport.cz reported. Coufal has featured in only one fixture during the current international break—playing the opening match against Croatia a week prior—before sitting out Tuesday’s encounter with England.
Squad Adjustments and Personnel Shortages in Oviedo
The Czech squad faces multiple roster complications ahead of the 20:45 kickoff in Oviedo. Midfielder Pavel Šulc is unavailable in Spain due to a red-card suspension incurred during the 0–2 defeat against England in Prague, while Adam Karabec previously left the team camp with an injury, according to sport.cz. Striker Daniel Sejk missed selection for the 23-man matchday squad for the second fixture. Meanwhile, newly eligible forward Ryan Naderi joined the team mid-camp after receiving clearance to represent the Czech Republic, standing alongside goalkeeper Antonín Kinský and defensive utility player Ondřej Kričfaluši as potential debutants for the senior A-team. Left winger Martin Šubert returns to the matchday squad after making his international debut as a substitute against Croatia.
Historical Precedents Against the World Champions
Spain enters the Group A3 fixture having won both of their opening matches, while the Czech visitors dropped their opening games to Croatia and England. According to historical coverage by Blesk, the independent Czech national team has faced Spain seven times without securing a single victory, managing only three goals across those encounters. Jaroslav Plašil scored in a 2011 European Qualifiers match in Granada that ended in a 2–1 defeat, and Jan Kuchta netted during a 2–2 draw in Prague during the June 2022 edition of the Nations League.
Managerial Debut Against Home Country
Saturday’s match marks a unique occasion for new Czech head coach Santi Denia, who faces his native country for the first time since taking charge of the national team. Denia faces former long-time collaborator Luis de la Fuente, who manages the Spanish side. Radiožurnál Sport noted Denia’s pre-match stance on the emotional aspect of the fixture: “In current terms, my country is the Czech Republic. Yes, the situation is special, but we cannot think about emotional matters. We think about our team and how we will threaten Spain.” Spain opted to leave Barcelona teenager Pau Cubarsí out of the squad, while fellow young star Lamine Yamal remains included among the 23 players.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Match
Why is Santi Denia coaching against Spain?
Santi Denia is a Spanish national who took charge of the Czech national team, setting up a meeting against his native country and former colleague Luis de la Fuente in Group A3.
What is the Czech team’s historical record against Spain?
In seven prior meetings since the establishment of the independent Czech national team, the squad has recorded zero wins and three total goals, with previous scores contributed by Jaroslav Plašil, Jakub Pešek, and Jan Kuchta, as detailed by Blesk.
Who are the notable absences for the Czech squad in Spain?
Beyond injured defender Vladimír Coufal, the team is missing suspended midfielder Pavel Šulc and injured Adam Karabec, while Patrik Schick and Tomáš Chorý are also absent due to ongoing personnel shortages at the forward position.
Czech Republic Plays Spain After Seven Prior Matches
The independent Czech Republic has played Spain seven times previously, recording three total goals across those matches since the 1990s.
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