- Ferran Torres (26) has withdrawn from the Spain squad after persistent symptoms in his left ankle
- Luis de la Fuente has called up Real Madrid and Spain Under-21 international Carlos Espí (21) as his replacement
- On Thursday, Espi became the first player in Spain Under-21 history to score five goals in a single match during a 13-0 victory over San Marino
Torres leaves Spain camp after ankle issue persists
Paris Saint-Germain forward Ferran Torres has been forced to leave the Spain national team camp, the Spanish Football Federation has confirmed. The 26-year-old, who suffered an issue to his left ankle, had initially been able to continue training and even played 55 minutes against England.
However, the problem did not settle, and Spain’s medical staff decided that the striker should withdraw in order to focus on his recovery. The injury was also described as an ankle sprain, while the federation statement referred to discomfort in his left ankle.
Ferran Torres causa baja en la concentración de la @SEFutbol debido a unas molestias en su tobillo izquierdo.
Carlos Espí se incorpora en su lugar.
ℹ️ Más información: https://t.co/XUD2MXSKLG #VamosEspaña | #NationsLeague pic.twitter.com/HMy24LBiLn
— Selección Española Masculina de Fútbol (@SEFutbol) October 2, 2026
“The Spanish Football Federation’s medical staff have been in constant contact with his club’s medical team since the start of the training camp, and the entire process has been monitored jointly,” explains the statement.
“Ferran Torres has left the Spanish national team camp. The Valencian international, who plays for PSG, had been experiencing discomfort in his left ankle,” the statement from Spain read.
“Initially, this didn’t prevent him from training and playing, but due to the persistence of the symptoms, the decision was made to withdraw him from the squad to prioritize his recovery.”
Espí promoted after historic Spain Under-21 display
Luis de la Fuente has responded by promoting Real Madrid youngster Carlos Espí to the senior squad. The 21-year-old striker, already a Spain Under-21 international, receives the call after a record-breaking display for the Under-21 side on Thursday.
Espi made history in Spain Under-21s’ extraordinary 13-0 victory over San Marino, becoming the first player in Spain Under-21 history to score five goals in a single match. Remarkably, it was only his second appearance at this level and his first start, and he also contributed two assists.
“Therefore, Luis de la Fuente has decided to call up Under-21 international Carlos Espí to join the senior national team camp and face the matches against Czech Republic and Croatia in Oviedo and Split.”
| Player | Team / role | Key details |
|---|---|---|
| Ferran Torres (26) | Paris Saint-Germain and Spain | Withdrawn from the Spain squad due to persistent symptoms in his left ankle, also described as an ankle sprain. |
| Carlos Espí (21) | Real Madrid and Spain Under-21 | Called up to replace Torres. Scored five goals and registered two assists in a 13-0 victory over San Marino on Thursday. |
Why the call-up rewards a fast start at Real Madrid
The promotion marks a significant step for Espi, who joined Real Madrid in the summer and has made an immediate impact despite mostly being used as a substitute by Jose Mourinho. Across five games, he has played only 26 minutes but has already scored two goals – one match-winning effort and another that salvaged a draw.
His latest Under-21 performance provided another emphatic reminder of his penalty-box instincts and has now placed him alongside Spain’s senior group. He will work with the World Champions and could potentially make his senior debut for La Roja in the upcoming UEFA Nations League fixtures against Croatia and Czechia.
Torres had made an impressive start at PSG
Torres’ withdrawal interrupts what had been an outstanding opening chapter at Paris Saint-Germain. After moving from FC Barcelona to PSG for a fee of nearly €50m this summer, the Foios-born forward quickly made an impact for the reigning double European champions.
He scored a crucial brace against Rennes on his first appearance for his new club, then followed it with important goals against Brest and Marseille. He also scored a hat-trick against Slovan Bratislava in the Champions League.
