Pau Cubarsí Injured During Spain Debut, Raising Concerns for Barcelona

Pau Cubarsí’s first appearance for Spain’s national football team took an unfortunate turn on March 20, 2025, during the UEFA Nations League quarter-final at De Kuip stadium in Rotterdam.

The young Barcelona defender was forced off the pitch in the 40th minute after sustaining an injury from a tackle by Dutch forward Memphis Depay.

Cubarsí’s exit raised immediate concerns for both Spain and FC Barcelona, especially with crucial fixtures approaching in La Liga and the Champions League.

Cubarsí, who had been performing confidently until the incident, was visibly in discomfort as he limped off the field. His departure left a gap in the Spanish defense, highlighting the importance of his role for both club and country.

Dean Huijsen, a 19-year-old Bournemouth player, stepped in to replace Cubarsí, making his debut under challenging circumstances amidst a hostile Rotterdam crowd.

Impact on Spain’s Nations League Campaign

Spain, under the guidance of coach Luis de la Fuente, was looking to make a strong statement in the Nations League. However, Cubarsí’s injury cast a shadow over their hopes.

Medical staff responded swiftly, diagnosing a right ankle injury that was initially feared to be serious.

De la Fuente later provided some relief about the injury’s severity, stating, “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.”

His cautious optimism suggests Cubarsí could return soon, but no final decision has been made.

The match itself ended in a 2-2 draw. Nico Williams opened the scoring for Spain, but the Netherlands responded with two goals before Mikel Merino’s late equalizer secured a draw.

The result sets up a decisive second-leg clash in Valencia, with Cubarsí’s participation still uncertain.

Barcelona Faces Defensive Crisis

Cubarsí’s injury comes at a critical time for FC Barcelona, which is already struggling with defensive setbacks. Iñigo Martínez remains sidelined, and Ronald Araujo is currently away on international duty with Uruguay.

This leaves Barcelona’s defensive lineup thin, complicating coach Hansi Flick’s strategy for the coming weeks.

Barcelona is scheduled to play Osasuna on March 27, followed by a high-stakes derby against Girona on March 30. Cubarsí’s availability for these fixtures remains uncertain, creating added pressure on Flick to reshuffle his defensive options.

Huijsen’s debut also carried emotional weight. Born in Amsterdam but raised in Málaga, Huijsen had previously represented the Netherlands at the U21 level before choosing to play for Spain at the senior level.

His decision was met with criticism from Dutch fans, who voiced their displeasure during the match. Despite the pressure, Huijsen managed to put in a composed performance after replacing Cubarsí.

Recovery Timeline and Future Outlook

Initial reports suggest that Cubarsí’s injury is not severe, but his recovery timeline remains unclear. Further medical evaluations will determine whether he can feature in the second leg of the Nations League tie against the Netherlands.

Spain has already called up Mario Gila as a precautionary replacement. De la Fuente stated, “It’s his ankle, it’s a sprain. We want to try and recover him by Sunday and we’ll see how it goes in the coming days.”

For Barcelona, the defensive situation remains delicate. The club initially requested to postpone the Osasuna match to allow players to recover from international duty, but scheduling conflicts made rescheduling impossible.

If Cubarsí remains sidelined, Barcelona’s defense could face significant strain during this crucial stretch of the season.

Broader Implications for Club and Country

Cubarsí’s injury underscores the physical demands and risks of high-level football. At just 18, he has quickly become a key figure for both Barcelona and Spain.

His absence would be a setback for both teams, not only in terms of defensive stability but also in the strategic adjustments required.

The coming days will be crucial in determining whether Cubarsí can recover in time for the second leg and Barcelona’s upcoming fixtures.

Both Spain and Barcelona will be hoping for a swift recovery as they navigate this challenging phase of the season.