Ferran Torres leaves Spain squad with ankle injury as Carlos Espi is called up

Ferran Torres has withdrawn from the Spain squad because of a persistent left-ankle problem, ruling him out of the team’s remaining two matches during the current international break.

The Paris Saint-Germain forward will miss Spain’s game against the Czech Republic on 3 October and the meeting with Croatia on 6 October. He will return to Paris to continue his treatment and rehabilitation programme.

The Spanish Football Federation said Torres had continued to experience discomfort in his left ankle. Although the problem had not initially prevented him from training or playing with the squad, it eventually became necessary for him to leave the camp.

Spain’s medical staff had remained in regular contact with their counterparts at Paris Saint-Germain since the start of the international break. The two teams’ doctors monitored Torres’ condition together before deciding that withdrawing him from the squad would give him the best opportunity to recover fully.

Spain manager Luis de la Fuente has called up Carlos Espi to replace Torres. Espi, who represents Spain Under-21s, has joined the senior squad ahead of the matches against the Czech Republic and Croatia.

The injury is also a concern for Paris Saint-Germain because Torres has made a strong start to the season. He has scored seven goals in his first six appearances for the club, establishing himself as one of their leading attacking players.

Paris Saint-Germain will hope the problem does not keep Torres out for an extended period. The club are due to face Le Mans on 10 October in their opening Ligue 1 fixture and will be seeking to have the forward fit for that match.

The Spanish Football Federation confirmed Torres’ withdrawal in a statement on 2 October, saying: “Ferran Torres is out of the Spain squad because of discomfort in his left ankle. Carlos Espi joins in his place.”

The decision means Torres will not feature in either of Spain’s fixtures during this international window, despite having been able to participate in the early stages of the team’s preparations. His return to club duty will now be managed by Paris Saint-Germain’s medical and rehabilitation staff.