Cubarsi returns to Barca after ankle injury

Pau Cubarsi has left the Spain camp to return to Barcelona after suffering an ankle injury in Thursday’s 2-2 draw against the Netherlands, with Lazio’s Mario Gila coming in to replace him.

Spain head coach Luis de la Fuente had said that Cubarsi’s injury “didn’t seem serious” as he spoke following the 2-2 draw with the Netherlands in the first leg of the Nations League quarter-finals.

However, the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) confirmed later on Friday that the 18-year-old had left the national team camp ahead of Sunday’s second leg due to the blow to his ankle.

“Following tests carried out by the Medical Services of the Royal Spanish Football Federation, it has been decided that the player will return to his club, Futbol Club Barcelona,” reads a statement from Spain.

The 2024 Euros champions added: “He will begin his recovery from the discomfort in his right ankle that prevented him from finishing the match against the Netherlands at the ‘De Kuip’ stadium in Rotterdam.”

Lazio centre-back Mario Gila has been called up by Luis de la Fuente to replace the youngster and will therefore make up Spain’s defensive department alongside Dean Huijsen, Raul Asencio and Robin Le Normand.