Pau Cubarsi has returned to Barcelona after suffering an ankle injury in Spain's UEFA Nations League quarter-final first leg against the Netherlands on Thursday night.
The 18-year-old had to be replaced in the latter stages of the first half against the Netherlands due to an ankle problem.
The issue is not believed to be as serious as first feared, but his withdrawal from the Spain squad has been confirmed ahead of the second leg of their Nations League last-eight contest with the Netherlands.
"Following tests conducted by the Royal Spanish Football Federation's Medical Services, it has been decided that the player will return to his club, FC Barcelona, to begin his recovery from the discomfort in his right ankle, which prevented him from completing the match against the Netherlands at Rotterdam's De Kuip stadium," read a statement.
Cubarsi's absence is expected to lead to Bournemouth's Dean Huijsen making his full debut for La Roja in the middle of the defence.
© Imago
Cubarsi suffered an ankle injury against the Netherlands
The teenager has again been in excellent form for Barcelona this season, making 42 appearances in all competitions, scoring once and providing three assists in the process.
Barcelona will return to La Liga action against Osasuna on March 27, with the match being controversially rescheduled for that date.
Ronald Araujo is set to miss out due to his involvement for Uruguay, while Inigo Martinez is a major doubt with a knee injury, so it would be a huge blow for Barcelona if Cubarsi was also unavailable for selection.
According to journalist Toni Juanmarti, there is a chance that Cubarsi could be available against Osasuna, although a final decision on the teenager's involvement is unlikely to be made until the start of next week.
Barcelona will not take any risks when it comes to the defender's fitness, as a busy start to April will see the club take on Atletico Madrid in the second leg of their Copa del Rey semi-final and Borussia Dortmund in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final.
Matt Law
