Barcelona defender Gerard Martin is heading home from Spain Under-21 duty after sustaining a hand injury during Wednesday’s 3-2 win over Slovakia.
The left-back had to go off during the win and has now been ruled out of the rest of the tournament.
Here’s the official statement from Spain:
> “Gerard Martín, a permanent fixture for the Spanish U-21 national team, has suffered a dislocated fifth metacarpal bone in his right hand.
>
> “The Royal Spanish Football Federation’s medical services, which are in constant contact with their counterparts at the player’s home club, FC Barcelona, have confirmed the injury to the defender after conducting the relevant tests.
>
> “Martín accidentally injured his hand in a fall shortly after the start of the opening match of the European Championship against Slovakia.
>
> “Gerard Martín will therefore leave the Spanish national team, which faces Romania this Saturday (6 p.m.) in the second matchday of the group stage. Tournament regulations do not allow the player to be substituted.”
According to [Jijantes](https://x.com/JijantesFC/status/1933081056686539252), the injury means Martin is heading straight back to Barcelona for “immediate surgery.”
It’s a bad blow for Martin who had enjoyed a strong first half and played a role in their opening goal before going off.
His call-up came after a breakthrough season at Barcelona where he played 42 times in all competitions as Hansi Flick’s side won La Liga and the Copa del Rey.
There has since been speculation that Martin could be on the move, with [Premier League side Wolves interested](https://www.barcablaugranes.com/2025/6/8/24444970/wolves-keen-on-gerard-martin-as-barcelona-eye-alejandro-grimaldo), although it’s not clear if he’s willing to leave.
In any case, Martin is now set for a spell on the sidelines. Let’s hope he makes a full and quick recovery from surgery.