Spain U17 World Cup Squad Hit by Enzo Alves Injury Blow
Spain’s preparations for the FIFA Under-17 World Cup in Qatar have been disrupted by a late injury setback, with Real Madrid forward Enzo Alves expected to miss the tournament. The teenager was forced off during a match between Real Madrid’s Juvenil A side and Rayo Vallecano’s Juvenil A team, raising concerns just days before Spain’s campaign begins.
According to Spanish newspaper Marca, early medical assessments indicate that Alves could need around two weeks to recover from a muscle injury. That timetable would rule him out of Spain’s opening fixture against China on 20 November and, with the tournament already underway, leaves little prospect of him joining the squad in time to make an impact.
Guillermo Trujillano called up as replacement
Spain coach David Cubillo has selected Guillermo Trujillano to replace Alves. The forward, who developed in Atlético Madrid’s academy, now has an opportunity to make his mark on the international stage and help fill a gap in Spain’s attacking options.
Alves is the son of Marcelo, the former Brazil international and Real Madrid star. The young forward has been managing a muscle problem since his last appearance for the club, but the injury has ultimately cost him his place in Spain’s Under-17 World Cup squad. His absence is a disappointment for both the player and the national team, particularly because the tournament offers young footballers a valuable chance to gain experience against international opposition.
For Spain, the timing is especially challenging. A late change to a tournament squad can affect preparation, attacking combinations and the coach’s plans for rotating players across a demanding group schedule. Trujillano will need to adapt quickly, while Cubillo must decide how best to distribute the team’s available forward options.
Fitness concerns add pressure to Spain’s attacking plans
Alves was one of only two players in Cubillo’s squad identified as a natural striker, alongside Yeremay, another Real Madrid player. Yeremay is also returning from injury after spending more than a month on the sidelines. Spain are hopeful that he will be ready for the start of the competition, but his recent absence means the coaching staff are likely to manage his workload carefully.
Having both recognised centre-forwards dealing with fitness concerns would have posed a significant risk during the group stage. Spain may have to rely on alternative attacking combinations, including Roberto Tomas, who can operate as a conventional striker. The squad also has the option of adjusting its formation, using a more mobile forward line or asking attacking midfielders to contribute closer to goal.
Those choices could shape Spain’s approach from the opening whistle. A fit and available striker can provide a focal point, occupy opposing defenders and create space for runners arriving from midfield. Without Alves, Spain may need to be more flexible in possession and make greater use of movement, quick passing and pressure high up the pitch.
Spain’s Under-17 World Cup group fixtures
Spain begin their Qatar campaign against China on 20 November, before facing Fiji on 23 November. Morocco are their final group-stage opponents. The schedule gives the team limited time to settle into the tournament, making fitness and squad depth important factors in the race to advance.
The opener against China will be an early test of how quickly Spain can adjust to Alves’ absence. Their second match against Fiji may offer another opportunity to build momentum, while the meeting with Morocco could prove crucial in determining the group’s final standings. Every point can matter in a short tournament, so Spain will be keen to start strongly rather than depend on a late result.
Spain’s opponents also bring different challenges. China will look to make a strong start, while Fiji’s energy and direct play could demand concentration across the full match. Morocco, meanwhile, complete a group that gives Spain little room for complacency. The coaching staff will need to prepare for varied styles while keeping players fresh throughout the schedule.
What Alves’ absence means for Spain’s prospects
Alves’ injury does not automatically derail Spain’s hopes, but it does remove one of the squad’s attacking options at a critical point in the build-up. Youth tournaments often turn on small details: a substitute’s contribution, a moment of individual quality or the ability to cope with pressure when a match becomes tight. Replacing a player at short notice can therefore influence both tactical planning and team chemistry.
At the same time, the call-up creates an opening for Trujillano. A tournament debut can be demanding, but it also gives the replacement a chance to establish himself within the group and contribute to Spain’s football ambitions. If he adapts quickly, his presence could help reduce the impact of losing Alves.
Much will depend on Yeremay’s condition and on how Cubillo chooses to use his remaining forwards. Spain may favour a cautious approach with the Real Madrid attacker, particularly if his recovery is still being monitored, while keeping Roberto Tomas and Trujillano ready for different roles. Maintaining balance between attacking intent and player welfare will be essential over the group stage.
Any prediction about Spain’s chances must now account for the injury uncertainty, but the team still has depth and several ways to create scoring opportunities. The immediate priority is to confirm the fitness of the available players, integrate Trujillano into the squad and find an effective plan for the China match. Spain will hope that the setback proves manageable—and that its remaining attacking options can deliver when the Under-17 World Cup begins.
