Pau Cubarsí, the promising young defender for FC Barcelona, is facing a challenging setback following a right ankle injury sustained during the first leg of the League of Nations quarter-finals against the Netherlands. The match, held on March 20, 2025, ended in a 2-2 draw, but it became a pivotal moment for the Spanish national team when Cubarsí had to leave the field due to his injury.
Following a thorough medical evaluation, doctors at Barcelona diagnosed Cubarsí with a strain in the anterior ankle ligament. Fortunately for both the young player and his fans, surgery will not be necessary. Instead, Cubarsí will undergo a conservative treatment plan aimed at allowing him to return to the field sooner. While Barcelona has not yet provided a definitive timeline for his recovery, preliminary estimates suggest that he could be sidelined for approximately 3 to 6 weeks, depending on the severity of the sprain.
This injury comes at a critical time for the Spanish squad, which now must contend with the absence of a key defender in the upcoming Nations League matches. In light of Cubarsí’s injury, Mario Gila from Lazio has been called up to fill the void. Despite his youth—just 18 years old—Cubarsí has rapidly established himself as one of Europe’s most talented defenders, having made 42 appearances for Barcelona this season, where he has scored 1 goal and provided 2 assists. His presence on the field is admired for both his strong defensive capabilities and his skill in initiating attacks from the back line.
In support of the young talent, Virgil van Dijk, the captain of the Netherlands’ national team, expressed his admiration for Cubarsí in a recent interview. "I think he is a huge talent, a special player. Playing at that level at 18 is impressive... he is outstanding," Van Dijk stated. He went on to praise Cubarsí’s playing style, noting, "It’s nice to watch him play. It’s not your typical Barcelona style, as Pau also likes to make long passes—many of them—and he is good at it. I feel sorry for him because he is obviously injured, but I think he is a big talent with a bright future."
As Barcelona prepares for their next match against Osasuna on March 27, 2025, following a delay due to the death of a club doctor, the team faces additional pressure without Cubarsí’s contributions. The anticipation around his potential participation is palpable, as a swift recovery could see him back in action sooner than expected. Fans are hopeful that he will regain fitness in time to aid his team in its pursuit of the La Liga title, where Barcelona currently sits atop the standings.
Cubarsí’s absence will undoubtedly challenge Barcelona's defense, which is already grappling with its own issues. Team staff are now tasked with finding effective strategies to compensate for the young defender’s skill and influence on the pitch as they aim to secure crucial wins in the coming weeks.
With the League of Nations’ significance weighing heavily, both the coaching staff and fans are eager for news on Cubarsí’s recovery journey. The entire footballing community is invested in his well-being, underscoring the young star’s rising profile within the sport. As Barcelona navigates this difficult period, the hope remains that Pau Cubarsí, with his impressive talent and determination, will soon be back on the field, contributing once more to his team's ambitions and showcasing the promise of a bright future in football.
