Spain´s Cubarsi out of Netherlands second leg after sustaining injury

Spain defender Pau Cubarsi has returned to club side Barcelona after suffering an ankle injury in the 2-2 draw with the Netherlands.

The 18-year-old, who has six caps for Spain, was substituted in the 41st minute of Thursday’s quarter-final first leg.

The Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) confirmed on Friday that Cubarsi will be unavailable for Sunday’s second leg in Valencia.

“After the tests carried out by the Royal Spanish Football Federation medical team, it has been decided that the player will return to his club Barcelona, to begin his recovery from the discomfort he has in his right ankle,” the RFEF’s statement read.

Spain coach Luis de la Fuente has called up Lazio defender Mario Gila to join the squad in Valencia in Cubarsi’s absence.

Nico Williams put Spain ahead inside nine minutes in a thrilling first leg at Stadion Feijenoord, before Cody Gakpo and Tijjani Reijnders struck either side of half-time for the hosts.

Mikel Merino then converted from close range to ensure the scoreline is all square ahead of the return match at the weekend.

OFFICIAL | Pau Cubarsí withdrawals from the Spain squad.

More information:https://t.co/bY15SD26is#VamosEspaña | #NationsLeague pic.twitter.com/2xKAkdhhwp

— Spanish Football (@SpainIsFootball) March 21, 2025