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Eric Garcia Withdrawn From Spain Starting XI Before Wembley Kickoff

Further medical tests in Madrid will determine whether he stays with the national squad or returns to Barcelona for treatment.

Overview

  • Spain confirmed late Saturday that Garcia felt discomfort in his left knee during the pre-match warm-up and was pulled from the starting lineup moments before kickoff.
  • Manager Luis de la Fuente described the issue as a minor one that does not appear serious and said additional scans in Madrid are needed to assess short-term fitness.
  • Marc Pubill was named to replace Garcia in the starting XI for the Nations League game at Wembley and took the right-back spot for the match.
  • Barcelona’s medical staff are in contact with Spain’s doctors because Garcia has been Barcelona’s first-choice right-back this season and any multi-week absence would affect key October LaLiga and Champions League fixtures.
  • If tests show Garcia cannot continue in the international window, Spain have said they will consider calling a replacement and Barcelona will decide on his return or treatment based on the scans.