Pau Cubarsí's night took a disappointing turn during his debut with the Spanish national football team on March 20, 2025. In the UEFA Nations League quarter-final held at De Kuip stadium in Rotterdam, Cubarsí was substituted in the 40th minute due to an injury sustained after a tackle by Dutch player Memphis Depay. As he limped off the field, it became clear that his absence would be felt, both by the national team and by his club, FC Barcelona.
The injury has sparked significant concern, particularly because of its timing. With crucial matches looming in La Liga and the Champions League, Cubarsí's status as one of Barcelona's promising young defenders makes his health a top priority. Dean Huijsen, a 19-year-old player from Bournemouth, replaced Cubarsí upon his exit and made his debut with the national team amid a combative atmosphere filled with boos from the Rotterdam crowd.
Coached by Luis De la Fuente, the Spanish team was looking to make a mark in the tournament, but Cubarsí's injury cast a shadow over their aspirations. The young defender was feeling fine early in the match until the accident occurred, leading to immediate attention from the medical staff. His condition was diagnosed through initial evaluations, indicating a right ankle injury, likely a sprain.
Fortunately, De la Fuente later provided some reassurance regarding the severity of the injury. "Pau Cubarsí only has a small sprain, we hope and want him to be with us on Sunday. In principle, it does not seem serious and we have to watch him, but of course, we will not risk anything," the coach said, expressing cautious optimism about Cubarsí’s return to play.
The incident unfolded at a critical point for Barcelona, which is already struggling with injuries in their defensive lineup. Iñigo Martínez was sidelined ahead of this match, and another crucial defender, Ronald Araujo, was away on international duty with Uruguay. With the trio in uncertain health, coach Hansi Flick's plans will face severe disruptions in the coming weeks.
As for Huijsen, his debut carried a mixed bag of emotions. Born in Amsterdam and raised in Málaga, he had previously represented the Netherlands at the U21 level but made the choice to don Spain's colors for his senior international career. This decision drew considerable criticism from Dutch fans, whose reaction during the match only added to the pressure on the young player.
Looking ahead, Cubarsí's recovery timeline appears uncertain but analysts suggest he might miss some of the upcoming critical fixtures for Barcelona. The club is set to face Osasuna on March 27, followed by a derby match against Girona on March 30. With Cubarsí’s status still unclear, the team is left grappling with a shaky defense.
In conclusion, as both a promising player for Barcelona and a fresh face for the Spanish national team, Pau Cubarsí's injury serves as a stark reminder of the physical toll of competitive football. Each match comes with its risks, and for a young talent, the hope is that he will recover quickly enough to contribute to both club and country in the matches ahead.
