EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY - JULY 19: (L-R) Eric Garcia #4, Dani Olmo #10 and Gavi #9 of Spain celebrate the World Cup champions after the team’s 1-0 victory following the FIFA World Cup 2026 Final match between Spain and Argentina at New York New Jersey Stadium on July 19, 2026 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)
Barcelona star Eric García has on Sunday evening been granted an immediate departure from the Spanish national team camp. This comes in a bid to ‘avoid any risk’ when it comes to the player’s fitness.
Defender Eric for his part sparked concern back in Catalunya’s capital on Saturday evening. Less than an hour out from world champions Spain locking horns with England in a Nations League clash, the former Manchester City man was scratched from Luis de la Fuente’s matchday squad.
Whilst warming up with his teammates at Wembley, Eric pulled up with sudden pain in his left knee.
From here, the 25-year-old was put through a round of tests and scans by the Spanish medical team on Sunday afternoon. And as alluded to above, the results proved noteworthy enough for action to be taken.
As per a statement across La Roja’s website and social media platforms, Eric has been replaced in the country’s squad for the remainder of the internatonal break by Atlético Madrid’s Robin Le Normand:
‘Atletico Madrid player Robin Le Normand replaces Eric Garcia in the Spanish national team camp, which is playing in the UEFA Nations League group stage.
‘The FC Barcelona center-back felt some discomfort in his left knee and after the tests carried out, it has been decided to withdraw him from the squad due to the proximity of the upcoming international matches, thus avoiding any risk and preserving the player’s health.’
Eric will now return to base in Barcelona to undergo treatment.
Conor Laird – GSFN