Pau Cubarsi, Barcelona's 18-year-old centre-back, faced an unexpected injury setback during Spain's UEFA Nations League quarter-final first leg against the Netherlands on March 20, 2025. Just five minutes before halftime, Cubarsi signaled for a substitution due to discomfort in his right ankle, leaving the field in clear distress after a challenge from former Barcelona player Memphis Depay.
Cubarsi's injury unfolded at a critical moment for both his club and national team. The young defender had been a vital player for Barcelona this season, contributing significantly in terms of appearances and performance. He managed to play through the pain initially but ultimately could not continue. Dean Huijsen, a teammate from English club Bournemouth, was brought in as a substitute, marking his senior debut for La Roja.
As the match progressed, Spain drew 2-2 against the Netherlands at the Feyenoord Stadium in Rotterdam. The goals came from Nico Williams, who opened the scoring, followed by Dutch goals from Gakpo and Tijjani Reijnders, with Mikel Merino's late equalizer keeping Spain's hopes alive for the return leg scheduled in Valencia on March 23.
Initial assessments by the Spanish national team medical staff indicated that Cubarsi might suffer a slight sprain. Spain manager Luis de la Fuente reiterated after the match that the injury was not severe. “Cubarsi only has a small sprain. We hope and want him to be with us on Sunday,” he mentioned, expressing cautious optimism about the player’s recovery.
Despite this optimism, the situation remains precarious. Following the injury news, Spain announced that Mario Gila would be called up, signaling a potential absence for Cubarsi from both the second leg of the quarter-final and upcoming fixtures. The decision to recruit a replacement hints at the expected limitations in staff, especially with other key players sidelined due to injuries. Specifically, Iñigo Martínez is already ruled out with discomfort in his right knee, while Ronald Araujo is away on international duty with Uruguay.
The challenges continue for Barcelona, as they are set to clash with Osasuna in La Liga on March 27, just days after the second leg against the Netherlands. The core of the team is affected by the ongoing international commitments and injury woes, raising serious questions about squad depth. Hansi Flick, Barcelona’s coach, expressed concern over the players' availability, particularly if Cubarsi, Araujo, and others remain out of action.
Barcelona has been performing well this season, targeting a treble with aspirations in la Liga, Champions League, and Copa del Rey competitions. Cubarsi has emerged as a crucial player, with 42 appearances, one goal, and three assists to show for his efforts. However, the upcoming fixtures will be crucial, and the team depth will be tested under these pressing circumstances.
The development around Cubarsi’s fitness will be closely monitored. With just a few days left to the matches, all eyes will remain on his rehabilitation and readiness for action. The management will likely balance optimism with caution, especially considering the tight schedule ahead. A thorough assessment and necessary testing will determine if Cubarsi can play any part in the upcoming games, reflecting the urgency of the situation for Barcelona as they navigate this challenging period.
As fans and analysts alike await updates on Cubarsi’s condition, the ramifications of his injury reverberate beyond the pitch. With several key players missing and a packed schedule looming, Barcelona’s pursuit of glory this season now hinges on how effectively they can manage injuries and maintain form.
