Laporte and Nico Williams ruled out late for Spain through illness

Spain will go into tonight's match against the Czech Republic with two significant absentees. Aymeric Laporte and Nico Williams have been ruled out by Luis de la Fuente after both came down with viral illnesses, so neither will be available for the Nations League fixture, which kicks off at 20:45 in Prague.

Laporte had already set alarm bells ringing on Wednesday, when he was unable to take part in Spain's final training session because of illness. The head coach admitted then that his involvement was in doubt and has ultimately decided not to take any risks with the centre-back.

Meanwhile, Nico Williams has also been unwell during the camp. Although the winger had returned to training, the coaching staff have opted to rest him to aid his recovery.

Eyes on the England match

The good news for Athletic Club is that neither absence is, in principle, down to a muscle injury. Both Laporte and Nico could be available for Spain's next assignment, on Sunday 15 November against England at the Metropolitano, provided they recover well.

From a fantasy point of view, their recovery will need to be monitored closely over the next few days to make sure both return to Bilbao in a fit state to face the next LaLiga round.

Álvaro Valles also left out

Luis de la Fuente's third omission is Álvaro Valles, the Real Betis goalkeeper, although in his case the decision is purely technical. The head coach has four goalkeepers at his disposal and has preferred to go with Unai Simón, David Raya and Joan García.

Valles will have to keep waiting for his senior Spain debut, while his team-mate Marc Roca will be available for the match against the Czech Republic.