Spain's De la Fuente loses Baena and Zubimendi, calls up Pablo Barrios

Yet another international break and another injury-plagued season. La Liga lost two key players Alex Baena and Martin Zubimendi, who were injured on Friday in Spain's penultimate UEFA Nations League group stage fixture.

Both players started for Luis de la Fuente and were playing a good game. In the 60th minute, Baena hurt his ankle after a lunge with an opponent and left the pitch in tears.

Soon after, it was Zubimendi who had to leave the pitch. The ball came out on the wing and the Real Sociedad midfielder instantly fell to the ground as he put his hand to his pubic area and called for a substitution. In his place came Marc Casado, who made his debut for the Spanish national team.

The Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) announced on Friday night that both players had left the training camp. The first scans ruled out their return in the short term and they are leaving to undergo the relevant tests with the medical services of their clubs and begin their recovery.

According to the RFEF, coach Luis de la Fuente has decided to call up Pablo Barrios for the next match. The Atletico Madrid midfielder was in the U21 squad. He now joins the first team squad to be in Tenerife, where La Roja will host Switzerland on Monday.

 

November 16, 2024