According to media reports, Spain had planned to play the defender in the return leg against the Netherlands, but that will no longer happen.
After the match, Spain’s coach, Luis de la Fuente, mentioned that Pau Cubarsí’s injury wasn’t too serious and that he would stay with the team. However, things have changed, and the young defender will be returning to his club, Barcelona.
During the first leg of the UEFA Nations League quarter-final on Thursday, Cubarsí left the field in the 41st minute with an injury, and the match ended in a 2-2 draw. It was later confirmed that he had suffered an injury to his right ankle.
Spanish media reports suggest that Spain had hoped to play him in the return leg against the Netherlands at home this Sunday. However, Barcelona wanted the player back at the club.
In a statement on Friday, the Spanish Football Federation confirmed that the 18-year-old player would return to his club for recovery.
Barcelona is now hoping for his quick recovery. After the international break, they will return to action next Thursday at 2 AM Bangladesh time in La Liga against Osasuna.
This match was originally scheduled to take place on March 8 at Barcelona’s home stadium. However, it was postponed just before kickoff following the tragic death of the club’s doctor, Carles Minarro García, at the team hotel.
The Spanish Football Federation later set a new date for the match, but both clubs appealed the decision. Their appeal was rejected, so Brazilian forward Rafinha and Uruguayan defender Ronald Araújo are unlikely to play in this match for Barcelona.
In World Cup qualifiers, Uruguay will play Bolivia at 2 AM Bangladesh time on Tuesday, followed by Brazil facing Argentina the next morning.
Barcelona has already lost Iñigo Martínez and Marc Casadó to injury.
With 60 points from 27 matches, Hansie Flick’s team is at the top of La Liga. Real Madrid, with the same number of points but trailing in head-to-head encounters, is second, and Atlético Madrid is third with 56 points. The two Madrid teams have played one more match than Barcelona.
