Spain are in action for the first time this year on Thursday evening when they take on Germany in a high-profile UEFA Nations League clash at the Mercedes-Benz Arena.

La Roja are now back under the management of Luis Enrique and enter the match unbeaten in 11 matches since November 2018, winning nine of those games.

Following a 10-month break since their last match, a 5-0 win over Romania in Euro 2020 qualifying, Enrique's side may have a different look to it in Stuttgart.

Here, Sports Mole looks at how Spain could line up against fellow heavyweight nation Germany on their return to action.

Speedy Wolverhampton Wanderers winger Adama Traore was in line to make his debut on Thursday, but he has tested positive for coronavirus and is not expected to play any part.

Unlike opposite number Joachim Low, Enrique has not given Bayern Munich's treble winners the week off, electing to call up Thiago Alcantara for this big match.

Some big names have missed out on selection, however, with the likes of Jordi Alba, Saul Niguez, Alvaro Morata, Isco and Diego Costa being rested.

Spain's squad has a youthful feel to it on the whole, largely thanks to the inclusion of Ansu Fati, Eric Garcia, Ferran Torres and Oscar Rodriguez.

Given the number of absentees, a couple of those players have a big chance of starting this game in Stuttgart, with Fati and Torres in contention for their senior bows.

Written by
Daniel Lewis