De Frutos replaces injured Barrenetxea in Spain Nations League squad
Synopsis
Spain's already injury-hit Nations League squad has been dealt another blow with Ander Barrenetxea's thigh injury ruling him out just weeks after his international recall. Jorge de Frutos — a one-cap wonder — steps in, while three Barcelona starters and potentially Nico Williams are also unavailable. The reigning world champions are fielding a patchwork squad for two games that still have group-stage implications.
Key Takeaways
Jorge de Frutos (Rayo Vallecano) has been called up to replace injured Ander Barrenetxea in Spain's UEFA Nations League squad.
Barrenetxea suffered a thigh muscle injury in the 70th minute of Real Sociedad's 1-0 win over Rayo on Sunday, leaving the pitch in tears at the Anoeta Stadium .
De Frutos has earned just one senior cap (September 2025) and has contributed 2 goals and 2 assists in 9 La Liga appearances this season.
FC Barcelona trio Eric Garcia , Dani Olmo , and Rodri Hernandez are all out with muscle injuries.
First senior call-ups have been handed to goalkeeper Alvaro Valles , midfielder Marc Roca , and defender Jacobo Ramon .
Spain face Czech Republic on 12 November and England at the Metropolitano Stadium on 15 November , with group-top honours still to be decided.
Rayo Vallecano forward Jorge de Frutos has been called up to the Spain national squad for the upcoming UEFA Nations League fixtures against Czech Republic and England, replacing Real Sociedad winger Ander Barrenetxea, who was forced off with a thigh muscle injury during his club's 1-0 home victory over Rayo Vallecano on Sunday. Coach Luis de la Fuente confirmed the change ahead of matches scheduled for 12 and 15 November.
Barrenetxea's Injury and Its Significance
The 24-year-old Barrenetxea was withdrawn in the 70th minute at the Anoeta Stadium, visibly distressed as he left the pitch in tears. The timing of the injury is particularly unfortunate — Barrenetxea had only just been recalled to the national squad by De la Fuente after missing Spain's previous squad and the 2026 FIFA World Cup this summer. The setback cuts short what had appeared to be a promising international comeback.
Who Is Jorge de Frutos
De Frutos made his Spain senior debut in September 2025, but that solitary cap remains his only international appearance to date. This season in La Liga, the forward has featured in nine matches for Rayo, contributing two goals and two assists. His call-up is a direct consequence of the squad's growing injury concerns rather than a planned promotion.
Spain's Wider Injury Crisis
The Barrenetxea situation adds to a growing list of absentees for De la Fuente. FC Barcelona trio Eric Garcia, Dani Olmo, and Rodri Hernandez are all sidelined with muscle problems. Athletic Bilbao winger Nico Williams was also forced off during his side's 1-1 draw away to Osasuna on Saturday, though he subsequently clarified he had only suffered cramp and is not expected to miss the upcoming matches.
New Faces in the Squad
To cover the gaps, De la Fuente has handed first senior call-ups to Real Betis goalkeeper Alvaro Valles, Como defender Jacobo Ramon, and midfielder Marc Roca. Atletico Madrid midfielder Pablo Barrios has also been recalled. The final 27-man squad includes four goalkeepers.
Speaking at his press conference, De la Fuente said of Ramon: 'Jacobo is having a great season and also doing a great job with the Under-21s (...) we think it is a good moment to see him.' On Valles, the coach noted he had 'been following Valles since his spell at Las Palmas. He is doing very well, and I think that it is important for him to experience the context of the national team and become part of this great family.'
What Is at Stake
The reigning world champions have already secured a place in the UEFA Nations League quarterfinals after winning all four of their opening group matches. However, Spain must still aim to finish top of a group that also contains Croatia. De la Fuente described the visit to the Czech Republic and the home clash against England at the Metropolitano Stadium as 'two key games in which we have a lot to play for.' With key personnel unavailable, how the squad's new faces perform could shape Spain's preparations well into the new year.
Point of View
Dani Olmo, Eric Garcia, and now Barrenetxea — with Nico Williams a lingering doubt — means De la Fuente is effectively trialling fringe players in fixtures that still carry group-standing consequences. That is an unusual position for the reigning world champions. The real question is whether this injury cluster accelerates the integration of players like De Frutos and Jacobo Ramon, or simply exposes the thin bench behind Spain's first XI heading into a new qualification cycle.
NationPress
9 Nov 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was Ander Barrenetxea removed from Spain's Nations League squad?
Barrenetxea was ruled out after sustaining a thigh muscle injury in the 70th minute of Real Sociedad's 1-0 home win over Rayo Vallecano on Sunday. The injury forced him off the pitch in tears at the Anoeta Stadium, cutting short his international recall.
Who has replaced Barrenetxea in the Spain squad?
Rayo Vallecano forward Jorge de Frutos has been called up as the replacement. De Frutos made his Spain senior debut in September 2025 and has two goals and two assists in nine La Liga appearances this season.
When and where do Spain play their upcoming Nations League matches?
Spain face the Czech Republic on 12 November and host England at the Metropolitano Stadium on 15 November. Both are group-stage fixtures with implications for finishing top of the group.
Which other players are missing from Spain's squad through injury?
FC Barcelona's Eric Garcia, Dani Olmo, and Rodri Hernandez are all sidelined with muscle problems. Athletic Bilbao winger Nico Williams was also forced off during Bilbao's draw with Osasuna, though he has since said he only suffered cramp.
What is at stake for Spain in these Nations League matches?
Spain have already qualified for the UEFA Nations League quarterfinals, but the Czech Republic and England fixtures determine whether they finish top of their group. Croatia also remain in contention, keeping the group standings unresolved.
