Unai Simón is set to return to the starting XI for Spain’s Nations League quarter-final against the Netherlands, reclaiming his place as Luis de la Fuente’s first-choice goalkeeper after an eight-month absence, according to La Voz de Galicia.
His return, however, comes at the expense of David Raya, who has excelled at Arsenal this season and deputised impressively during Simón’s injury layoff.
Simón, who starred for Spain at Euro 2024, has been a fixture in La Roja’s setup when fit. However, wrist problems forced him to miss the past few international windows, allowing Raya to establish himself as a serious contender for the starting role.
Despite Raya’s impressive form in England, de la Fuente appears ready to reinstate Simón for the clash in Rotterdam.
Speaking ahead of the game, Simón was diplomatic about the selection battle. “We haven’t talked about whether I will be a starter, but it doesn’t take my sleep away. Any of the three of us can play and do very well,” he said.
Simón also reflected on his recovery, admitting that he pushed himself to play through pain during the summer tournament. “I feel good, much better than at the end of last season. It was an outrage what we did with the wrist at the European Championship,” he added.
With Spain entering a crucial period ahead of Euro 2025, the battle for the No.1 jersey will continue to intensify. While Simón appears to have de la Fuente’s trust, Raya’s performances for Arsenal suggest this is far from a settled debate.