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Ferran Torres withdraws from Spain squad with left ankle pain

The striker misses Spain's remaining Nations League fixtures in this international break, and a first call-up has gone to Madrid's Espí.

By Sportsback
Santiago Bernabeau (Ank kumar , Infosys)Ank Kumar · CC BY-SA 4.0

Ferran Torres has withdrawn from the Spain squad because of pain in his left ankle, ruling him out of the world champions' remaining Nations League matches in this international break against Czechia and Croatia. The forward's involvement in the window is over. No timescale for his return has been set out.

The withdrawal leaves Spain's coaching staff to rearrange their attacking options for two competitive fixtures rather than a single friendly. Spain go into the window as the reigning world champions, and the Nations League matches are their last of this break. Nothing has been said about how the forward line will be reshaped in his absence.

2025/26
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Season 2025/26Sportsback

A first call-up for Espí

Alfredo Di Stéfano's Super Ballon d'Or trophy, Real Madrid Museum, Madrid, Spain (Ank Kumar, Infosys Limited)Ank Kumar · CC BY-SA 4.0
Alfredo Di Stéfano's Super Ballon d'Or trophy, Real Madrid Museum, Madrid, Spain (Ank Kumar, Infosys Limited)

The same squad update brought a first call-up for Madrid's Espí. It has not been stated that the call-up was made specifically to cover for Torres, and no detail has been given about whether Espí will be in the matchday group for either fixture. His position, his club beyond Madrid, and his senior experience to date have not been set out.

Why the timing matters

136586 the maafilim induct in tel aviv PikiWiki Israelזאב שטיין · CC BY 2.5
136586 the maafilim induct in tel aviv PikiWiki Israel

International withdrawals are awkward for national teams because the squad is already assembled and the fixtures come quickly. Spain must now plan for Czechia and Croatia without a forward they had selected. For Torres, the break ends early, and attention shifts to whether he is available to his club once domestic football resumes.

What is not yet known

  • The severity of the ankle problem beyond pain, and whether any further assessment has taken place.
  • How long Torres is expected to be unavailable, and whether he will be fit for his club's next fixtures.
  • Whether Spain intend to call up anyone else in addition to Espí.
  • Whether Espí's inclusion is a direct response to Torres's exit or a separate decision.

What happens next

Spain continue their Nations League campaign without Torres, with the squad as it now stands. The next clear checkpoint is the next international window, when the strength of the forward options will be visible again. Until then, the only confirmed development is that a senior forward has left the camp.

Frequently asked questions

Why has Ferran Torres left the Spain squad?
He withdrew because of pain in his left ankle. Spain have not described the problem in any further detail, and no timescale for his return has been given.
Which Spain matches will Ferran Torres miss?
He is out of Spain's remaining Nations League fixtures in this international break, against Czechia and Croatia.
Who is Espí and has he replaced Ferran Torres in the Spain squad?
Espí, of Madrid, has received a first call-up. It has not been confirmed that he was brought in specifically as cover for Torres, nor whether he will feature in either match.
How long will Ferran Torres be out with his ankle problem?
That has not been disclosed. The only detail given is left ankle pain, with no expected return date and no indication of whether he will be available for his club's next game.

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