Carlos Espi called up for Spain as World Cup finalist Torres drops out injured
Synopsis
Spain's Nations League squad has been hit by yet another withdrawal — this time World Cup final hero Ferran Torres, sidelined by an ankle problem. Real Madrid's Carlos Espi steps in as cover, but the bigger story is how De la Fuente is managing a squad depleted by five injury exits in a single international break.
Key Takeaways
Carlos Espi (Real Madrid) has been called up to the Spain squad, replacing Ferran Torres for the UEFA Nations League fixtures.
Ferran Torres was released from camp on 2 October 2026 due to discomfort in his left ankle , with the RFEF prioritising his recovery.
Torres scored the winning goal against Argentina in this summer's World Cup final.
Nico Williams , Pedro Porro , Eric Garcia , and Alejandro Grimaldo had also previously withdrawn from the same squad window due to injuries.
Espi has scored twice in La Liga since joining Real Madrid from Levante this season.
Torres recently joined PSG for €50 million after 207 appearances for Barcelona .
Real Madrid striker Carlos Espi has been called up to the Spain national squad for the two remaining UEFA Nations League fixtures of the current international break, replacing Ferran Torres, who has been released due to persistent discomfort in his left ankle. Spain coach Luis de la Fuente confirmed the change on Friday, 2 October, with the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) citing the need to prioritise Torres' recovery.
Torres Released, Espi Steps In
The RFEF issued a statement confirming Torres' departure from camp, noting: 'Ferran Torres has left the Spanish national team camp. The international, who plays for PSG, had been experiencing discomfort in his left ankle.' The decision was made to ensure he recovers fully ahead of club commitments.
Torres is one of the most high-profile names in the current Spain setup — he scored the winning goal against Argentina in this summer's World Cup final, cementing his status as a national hero. His absence, even temporarily, is a notable blow to De la Fuente's attacking options.
Espi, who joined Real Madrid from Levante this season, has made an encouraging start, scoring twice in La Liga since his arrival at the Santiago Bernabéu. This call-up marks his entry into the senior international picture under De la Fuente.
A Squad Hit by a Wave of Withdrawals
Torres' exit is the latest in a string of injury-related departures from the Spanish camp during this international window. Nico Williams, the Athletic Bilbao winger, withdrew on Thursday due to discomfort in his left thigh. Before that, Pedro Porro, Eric Garcia, and Alejandro Grimaldo had all dropped out due to separate injury concerns. The cumulative effect has tested De la Fuente's squad depth considerably heading into the Nations League games.
Torres' Move to PSG: The Background
Torres had only recently completed a high-profile transfer away from FC Barcelona, joining Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) in a deal worth €50 million. The 26-year-old had spent four and a half seasons at the Camp Nou, making 207 appearances, scoring 65 goals, and providing 22 assists for the reigning La Liga champions.
In his final La Liga campaign with Barcelona, Torres netted 16 goals — making him the joint top-scoring Spaniard in the league alongside Lamine Yamal. He signed a contract with the two-time European champions PSG until June 2031.
The transfer fee from his departure is expected to aid Barcelona's pursuit of Spain international midfielder Rodri Hernandez from Manchester City. However, Torres' exit also leaves the Catalan club notably short of attacking options at a critical juncture — just a week before they kick off their La Liga title defence.
What to Watch Next
Espi will now look to make his mark at international level during the Nations League fixtures, while the spotlight remains on Torres' recovery timeline at PSG. With multiple key attackers unavailable, Spain's depth across positions will be under closer scrutiny in the matches ahead.
Point of View
A club that will expect a fit, match-sharp forward from day one. The emergence of Espi offers a timely audition, but the bigger question is whether De la Fuente can maintain continuity in attack when the Nations League matters for seedings. Spain's depth problem is real, and the calendar is unforgiving.
NationPress
3 Oct 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was Ferran Torres dropped from the Spain squad?
Ferran Torres was released from the Spain squad on 2 October 2026 due to persistent discomfort in his left ankle. The Spanish Football Federation stated that the decision was taken to prioritise his recovery ahead of club commitments with PSG.
Who is Carlos Espi and why has he been called up?
Carlos Espi is a striker who joined Real Madrid from Levante this season and has scored twice in La Liga since his arrival. He was called up to the Spain squad as a direct replacement for the injured Ferran Torres for the remaining UEFA Nations League fixtures.
How many Spain players have withdrawn from the squad during this international break?
A total of five players have withdrawn from the Spain squad in this window — Ferran Torres (ankle), Nico Williams (thigh), Pedro Porro, Eric Garcia, and Alejandro Grimaldo, all due to injury concerns.
What is Ferran Torres' significance to Spain?
Torres scored the winning goal against Argentina in this summer's World Cup final, making him one of the defining figures in Spain's tournament triumph. His form for club and country had established him as a key attacking option under coach Luis de la Fuente.
Where does Torres play his club football now?
Torres recently completed a €50 million transfer to Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), having left FC Barcelona after four and a half seasons in which he made 207 appearances, scoring 65 goals and providing 22 assists. He has signed a contract with PSG until June 2031.
