Alejandro Grimaldo’s international window ended before it had truly begun, with a left-thigh problem suffered during the warm-up for Spain’s 4-1 win over Croatia on Tuesday night forcing the Atlético de Madrid full-back out of the squad.
The move
Medical examinations led Grimaldo to withdraw from Spain’s remaining two Nations League fixtures. He leaves the camp without playing a minute during this break.
The defender had also remained among the substitutes for Saturday’s 3-2 victory against England. Spain coach Luis de la Fuente has brought Fran Garcia into the group as his replacement.
Garcia, formerly of Real Madrid and now at Real Betis after a summer move, returns to the national set-up for the first time since October 2023. His only two Spain appearances came in Euro 2024 qualifying.
He could now add to that total in the matches against the Czech Republic on Saturday at 20:45 and Croatia next Tuesday at 20:45.
The French season around it
No Ligue 1 club or French-based player is involved in the squad change. The development concerns Spain’s Nations League campaign, with Grimaldo’s injury creating an unexpected opening for Garcia after a long absence from international selection.
