Spain forward Ferran Torres has withdrawn from the national squad with an ankle problem, with Real Madrid youngster Carlos Espi called up as his replacement for the upcoming Nations League fixtures.
Torres has been feeling the effects of the illness despite taking part in play in recent days, the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) confirmed. Finally the Spanish medical team decided the forward should be taken off international duty to concentrate on his recovery.
The federation has been in constant contact with Paris Saint-Germain during the training camp and kept track of Torres’ condition, it said. His departure has created a void for Espi to play for Luis de la Fuente’s senior side as the young forward provided an outstanding display of football for Spain Under-21s.
Espi was the show stopper in Thursday’s 13-0 win over San Marino, addling two assists and scoring five goals. He got his name in the senior set up after impressing in his first outing as Spain prepare for two high-stakes Nations League games.
Spain will face the Czech Republic in Oviedo on Saturday before travelling to play Croatia on October 6. De la Fuente will now have one less set attacking threat on the ball and Espi will get his first taste of senior international football.
Another fitness issue for Torres for Spain in the international break follows his withdrawal, but the RFEF has stated that the decision was made for the player’s recovery to be the focus. The call-up is an important milestone in Espi’s journey. He will have the opportunity to play with Spain’s big guns as he was chosen to join the Under-21 team, which could lead to his debut for Spain.
