Barcelona breathe sigh of relief as key defender’s injury not as serious as it seems | OneFootball

Spain’s national team coach, Luis de la Fuente, has provided an update on Barcelona defender Pau Cubarsi’s condition after he picked up an injury while playing against the Netherlands.

Fortunately for both club and country, the injury does not appear to be serious, offering a sigh of relief after initial concerns.

Cubarsi was forced to leave the pitch after sustaining a blow to his right ankle early in the match. The challenge came from Memphis Depay, and from that moment, the young defender struggled to continue.

Despite trying to push through the discomfort, he eventually had to go down, prompting medical attention.

After a brief assessment, it was decided that he could not continue, leading to his substitution. Dean Huijsen made his debut, coming on in Cubarsi’s place.

Good news for Barcelona

The initial medical evaluation in the dressing room confirmed that the injury was not severe.

Pau Cubarsi picked up a blow against the Netherlands. (Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images)

This was enough to convince the coaching staff that there was no immediate need for concern. Luckily, it was nothing but a minor sprain in his ankle and nothing serious.

As a result, Cubarsi has remained with the squad and will travel to Valencia for the second leg of the UEFA Nations League quarter-finals against the Netherlands, set to be played at Mestalla on Sunday.

To ensure adequate squad depth, Spain has called up Mario Gila from Lazio as a precautionary measure.

“Cubarsi is in discomfort, it doesn’t seem like anything serious. We believe that he will be fit for Sunday, but in anticipation that he cannot recover we will incorporate Mario Gila (Lazio),” he said after the match as quoted by SPORT.

Before making a final decision on his involvement, Cubarsi will undergo further medical tests in Madrid.

Based on early indications, he is expected to be fit for the game, but Barcelona will hope that he is not overused, considering his importance to the team’s defensive setup.

The club will be keen to see their promising young defender return in top condition, with critical fixtures ahead in both domestic and European competitions.