Cucurella started and completed three of Spain's four Nations League matches during the international break, totaling 270 minutes while being rested against the Czech Republic.
Analysis:Cucurella remained Spain's primary option at left-back during the break, completing the matches against England and Croatia before returning for another 90 minutes in the second meeting with Croatia. The full rest against the Czech Republic helped limit the impact of a relatively heavy international workload, and he returns to Real Madrid without any reported physical concerns. He remains in contention to start against Villarreal, though competition from Alvaro Carreras, who spent the break resting with the club, creates some rotation risk.
