Spain head coach Luis de la Fuente has revealed that Pau Cubarsi has a chance of being involved in Sunday’s UEFA Nations League quarter-final second leg against Netherlands, despite suffering an ankle issue in the first leg.
The 18-year-old Barcelona centre-back was forced off in the latter stages of the first half in Rotterdam, but De la Fuente confirmed that the issue is not as serious as first feared.
Cubarsi’s Injury Update
“It’s his ankle, it’s a sprain. We want to try and recover him by Sunday and we’ll see how it goes in the coming days,” De la Fuente told reporters after the 2-2 draw.
“It doesn’t seem too serious, but there are only a few days left to recover, we have to be cautious.”
Barcelona’s Concerns
Barcelona will be desperate to avoid any risks when it comes to their teenage star at this stage of the campaign.
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The Catalan giants are back in action on March 27, taking on Osasuna in La Liga, while they are also battling to win the Champions League and Copa del Rey in the latter stages of the campaign.
Cubarsi’s Importance to Barcelona
Cubarsi has been a vital player for Barcelona this season, scoring once and providing three assists in 42 appearances.
His absence would be a significant blow to Hansi Flick’s side, who are already missing Ronald Araujo for their next game against Osasuna due to international commitments.
Dean Huijsen’s Debut
Dean Huijsen benefited from Cubarsi’s issue to make his debut for Spain, with the 19-year-old rewarded with a call-up courtesy of his excellent form for Bournemouth during the 2024-25 campaign.
De la Fuente’s Praise for Netherlands
The Spain head coach also claimed that his side will need to be at their best to overcome Netherlands in the second leg of the Nations League.
“It’s very difficult to beat a team like the Netherlands. They are a powerful team.
We are very satisfied and even more so after four months without competing.”
