Pau Cubarsi substituted at half-time against England with hip problem

Barcelona defender Pau Cubarsi was substituted at half-time of Spain’s 3-2 Nations League defeat by England in Madrid on Sunday with a hip problem.

According to Diario SPORT, the decision was taken not to risk the 19-year-old in the second half at the Metropolitano. The centre-back will now undergo medical tests to determine the extent of the problem.

The setback is another concern for Hansi Flick, who has already seen Eric Garcia, Andreas Christensen, Jules Kounde and Xavi Espart suffer injuries this season. Garcia and Christensen returned just before the international break, while Barcelona hope Kounde will be fit for next Sunday’s La Liga clash with Villarreal.

Cubarsi will return to Catalonia along with Spain team-mates Pedri, Fermin Lopez and Lamine Yamal, who all featured in the defeat by England. Barcelona will be hoping the defender avoids a spell on the sidelines, with Flick’s side unable to afford dropped points as Real Madrid continue their run of eight straight wins.