Robin Le Normand returns to the Spain national team squad for the UEFA Nations League fixtures after Barcelona defender Eric García withdrew due to left knee discomfort. The Atlético de Madrid center-back replaces García ahead of upcoming matches against Croatia and the Czech Republic, following a nearly year-long absence from international duty. The absence represents a setback for Spain as the team faces international commitments following the World Cup victory.
Eric García Withdraws With Knee Discomfort After Wembley Match
Eric García returned to Barcelona after experiencing pain in his left knee prior to Spain’s opening UEFA Nations League match against England at Wembley Stadium. Medical evaluations confirmed the injury after the team returned from London, prompting the Real Federación Española de Fútbol to release a statement confirming his departure from the squad. The governing body opted to release the defender to avoid any risk and preserve his health, noting the busy upcoming schedule in the competition without offering further details on his physical condition, though giving the impression that it is a minor injury. Medical services will evaluate his situation, although initial information indicates the knee discomfort was sufficient for the player to leave the concentration. Marc Pubill stepped into the starting lineup at Wembley following García’s pre-match absence, after the Barcelona defender had to leave the starting eleven after feeling discomfort during the warmup.
Robin Le Normand Answers Call After Missing World Cup Squad
Robin Le Normand rejoins the national team for the first time since October 2025, when he started a World Cup qualifying match against Bulgaria in Valladolid. During that match, he played 71 minutes before a cut on his lip led to Vivian taking his place. He made his debut for Spain in June 2023 against Italy and has played a total of 27 matches, scoring one goal. He missed the subsequent November window due to a knee injury and ultimately fell out of favor with head coach Luis de la Fuente ahead of the tournament, as the manager favored Pau Cubarsí and Aymeric Laporte in central defense after Le Normand was part of the team that won the European Championship in 2024. Despite missing the tournament, Le Normand remains eighth in total minutes played under De la Fuente with 2,094 minutes since the coach took charge.
Squad Adjustments Shape Spain’s Defenses for Autumn Schedule
The defensive reshuffling leaves Spain without two expected contributors for the current international window. Tottenham right-back Pedro Porro also missed out on the squad due to injury, preventing him from joining the initial concentration at the Ciudad del Fútbol in Las Rozas. With García and Porro unavailable, Luis de la Fuente turned to Le Normand and Pubill to manage defensive depth across three scheduled matches in a short span. Le Normand will participate in his first training session with the rest of the group at the Ciudad del Fútbol in Las Rozas.
Upcoming UEFA Nations League Fixtures in Spain
Spain continues its UEFA Nations League campaign with three matches in quick succession across different venues. La Roja faces Croatia on September 29 at the Estadio Ramón Sánchez Pizjuán in Sevilla for the second match of the group stage, followed by a fixture against the Czech Republic in Oviedo on October 3, where Le Normand could play 354 days after his last appearance. The team will then travel to Split for the return match against Croatia three days later.
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