Spain have sent Eric Garcia back to Barcelona after the defender felt discomfort in his left knee during the warm-up for the 3-2 win over England at Wembley. With three Nations League fixtures close together, the federation has opted against keeping the Catalan in camp.
Medical examinations after the squad returned to Spain confirmed the issue, although it is not believed to be serious. Spain said Garcia had been released to avoid any possibility of aggravating the problem and to protect the player’s health ahead of the coming internationals.
Le Normand joins Spain group
Robin Le Normand has been called up in Garcia’s place for Nations League meetings with Croatia, the Czech Republic and Croatia again.
Garcia had been selected to start at right-back against England, but the pre-match setback forced Luis de la Fuente into a late alteration. Marc Pubill instead took the role on the flank, where he was due to face Barcelona winger Anthony Gordon.
The 24-year-old Garcia had recently played an important part for Spain in the closing stages of the World Cup final against Argentina, coming on at centre-back for Aymeric Laporte.
Barcelona await defender’s recovery
Garcia will now be treated by Barcelona’s medical staff, with the objective of making him available to Hansi Flick for Getafe’s visit to Spotify Camp Nou on Saturday, 10 October, scheduled for 18:30.
He has been one of Barcelona’s most-used players so far this season, recording 469 minutes and ranking seventh in the squad for game time. Jules Kounde, listed 17th, has played 261 minutes.
