Spain have taken precautions to ensure the star player is fit for the Euro 2024 knockout stage

On Monday, Spain will end their participation in the group stage of Euro 2024, when they face Albania. Luis de la Fuente's side have already qualified for the knockout rounds after winning their opening two games, and as such, widespread changes are expected from the win over Italy on Thursday.

Rodri Hernandez is one of the players who will certainly miss against Albania. The Manchester City midfielder is suspended after picking up bookings in both games against Croatia and Italy, and given the schedule, it's almost a blessing for Spain to give the influential pivot a rest.

Rodri has played 5,201 minutes since the start of the 2023-24 season, and Spain are concerned that he will burn out during the knockout stages. He is also nursing a slight calf problem, so the idea is that he will be protected from now until La Roja's last 16 ties, as reported by Relief. This will likely include a reduced intensity/training schedule.

Those in the Spain camp understand that Rodri has not been at his best during his two opening games, so they are ready to do everything possible to ensure that he is at 100% for the beginning of the elimination games. If he can go up a level, La Roja would have an excellent chance of going far in Germany.