Grimaldo forced out of Spain squad with thigh injury

Alejandro Grimaldo has withdrawn from the Spain squad and will miss the two remaining UEFA Nations League fixtures of this international break after picking up a thigh problem in the warm-up before Tuesday's match against Croatia at the Ramón Sánchez-Pizjuán.

The Atlético de Madrid left-back felt a twinge during a rondo shortly before kick-off and was withdrawn from the starting line-up. Marc Cucurella took his place at left-back, and Grimaldo watched the rest of the evening from the bench as Spain beat Croatia 4-1, with Lamine Yamal scoring twice either side of goals from Marc Pubill and Nicholas Williams. Dion Drena Beljo had briefly levelled for Croatia at 28 minutes. Spain lead their World Cup qualifying group with 7 points from three matches; Croatia sit second on 6.

De la Fuente said Grimaldo felt "molestias en el cuádriceps" during the rondo and that the decision was taken not to risk him. Further tests were scheduled for Wednesday to establish the timeline, though the coach gave little cause for optimism about the player's involvement in the rest of the break.

"No será mucho, pero sí lo suficiente para que se pierda" los dos encuentros de la Liga de Naciones que restan por disputar en este parón, De la Fuente said.

The RFEF said the player is leaving the training camp as a precaution, "thus avoiding any additional risk and protecting the player's health." Fran García, of Real Betis Balompié, has been called up as his replacement.

A fuller breakdown of Tuesday's match is available at /en/football/event/spain-croatia-2026-09-29_6935094/.