Barcelona defender Pau Cubarsi withdraws from Spain squad

Barcelona defender Pau Cubarsi has been ruled out of Spain’s upcoming matches after sustaining an injury during their 2-2 draw against the Netherlands in the Nations League quarter-final first leg on Thursday.

Spain took the lead courtesy of Nico Williams’ early strike, but the Netherlands quickly responded through Cody Gakpo and Tijjani Reijnders, who helped the hosts move ahead just after halftime.

However, Arsenal’s Mikel Merino struck in stoppage time to equalise for Spain.

Cubarsi was forced to leave the pitch in the 41st minute due to an ankle injury.

Following the match, he was released from the national team squad and underwent tests at his club on Saturday to assess the extent of the injury.

An official statement from the Catalan giants read: “Pau Cubarsí was only able to play 41 minutes of the Spanish national team’s match against the Netherlands in the first leg of the UEFA Nations League quarterfinals.

“The centre-back suffered an injury and had to be substituted before halftime in a game that eventually ended 2-2.

“After assessing his condition, the player returned to Barcelona, where he underwent medical tests on Saturday morning at the Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper.

“The tests revealed that the player has a strain in the anterior tibiofibular ligament of his right ankle.”

Pau Cubarsi Hands Barcelona Huge Injury Blow

Cubarsí’s injury is a significant setback for Hansi Flick’s side, who are in a strong position to compete for the treble this season.

Following the international break, Barcelona face a crucial run of fixtures, starting with key La Liga encounters against Osasuna and Girona before their Copa del Rey semi-final second leg against Atlético Madrid.

Additionally, they are set to take on Borussia Dortmund in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final on April 9.