Spain will be missing central defender Aymeric Laporte for Thursday's UEFA Nations League contest against Portugal, with the Manchester City centre-back pulling out of the squad due to a knee problem.

Barcelona's Pedri is also a notable absentee through injury, but La Roja have not reported any fresh concerns ahead of the contest with their European rivals.

There is still no David de Gea in the squad despite the goalkeeper enjoying an impressive campaign for Manchester United, with Unai Simon very much the number one goalkeeper ahead of the 2022 World Cup.

Eric Garcia could benefit from Laporte's absence to play alongside Pau Torres in the middle of the defence, while Thiago is likely to feature despite his involvement in the Champions League final between Liverpool and Real Madrid.

Thiago was a fitness doubt ahead of the clash in France, though, so the 31-year-old will need to undergo a late examination, with the likes of Rodri, Carlos Soler and Marcos Llorente on standby to feature.

Gavi largely played as a central midfielder for Barcelona during the 2021-22 campaign but could operate further forward against Portugal on Thursday.

Ferran Torres is also set to start in the final third of the field, while Alvaro Morata, who is comfortably the leading goalscorer in the squad with 25, should lead the line.

Ansu Fati is also back in the squad after working his way back to fitness for Barcelona in the latter stages of last season, and the teenager could be used off the bench in this contest.

Spain possible starting lineup: Simon; Azpilicueta, E Garcia, P Torres, Alba; Thiago, Busquets, Koke; Gavi, Morata, F Torres

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