Fran García Called Up to Spain Squad Replacing Injured Alejandro Grimaldo for Nations League

An Unexpected Call from Madrid

The sudden national team summons arrived just after training concluded.

«After the training session, they called me from Madrid and told me I had to join the squad there tonight,» García told club media on Wednesday. Describing the moment as «an enormous joy,» the defender emphasized that the opportunity represents validation for consistent daily labor rather than overnight success. «It’s a reward for everything you do bit by bit. It’s the daily work that gives you that happiness. The team couldn’t be in a better position in the table, the results are coming, and whenever you can accompany that with positive personal news, so much the better.»

Stepping In for Grimaldo

García steps into the national setup following physical discomfort experienced by Bayer Leverkusen wing-back Alejandro Grimaldo, who departed the squad’s training camp. The Betis defender previously earned two caps for La Roja during 2023.

His promotion to the senior squad coincides with a productive start to life at Benito Villamarín Stadium. Following his arrival from Real Madrid, García has featured in seven of Betis’s eight matches across all competitions this season, helping anchor a squad currently enjoying strong domestic form.

Upcoming UEFA Nations League Schedule

Spain enters the current international window following a convincing 4-1 victory over Croatia on Tuesday at the Ramón Sánchez-Pizjuán Stadium in Seville.

La Roja will travel to face Czechia next Saturday in Oviedo, followed by a rematch against Croatia on Tuesday, October 6, in Split. Both fixtures form part of the ongoing UEFA Nations League group stage phase.