Barcelona Defender Absent, Spain's Defense Lini Crisis Against The Netherlands

Defender Pau Cubarsi missed Spain against the Netherlands in the second quarter-final match of the UEFA Nations League. (X/@SEFutbol)

JAKARTA - Spain not only lost Barcelona defender Pau Cubarsi who was injured with an ankle, but also threatened unable to be strengthened by center-back Robin Le Normand. Spain experienced a defensive crisis against the Dutch in the second quarter-final match of the UEFA Nations League at the Mestalna Stadium, Monday, March 24, 2025 in the morning WIB.

Cubarsi was definitely absent due to injury suffered during the 2-2 draw in the first match at Rotterdam. In that match, Cubarsi had to be withdrawn due to injury in the 41st minute. The 18th-year-old defender immediately returned to the club for further treatment.

"After undergoing an examination conducted by the medical team, it was finally decided that the player concerned would return to his club, Barcelona. He will recover from injury to right ankle," the federation said.

The problem is, not only Cubarsi but also Robin Le Normand, who had to undergo treatment after being beaten by Dutch defender Jorrel Hato. The hard violation resulted in a red card which made the Dutch have to play with 10 people since the 81st minute.

The advantage of the number of players La Roja then used to catch up before midfielder Mikel Merino scored in injury time which turned the score into a draw.

Despite getting a tackle from Hato, Le Normand, who is Cubarsi's tandem, can still continue the match. But he still feels pain in the ankle.

This is what makes Atletico Madrid's centre-back under the supervision of the medical team. Coach Luis de la Fuente maish also waited for confirmation whether Le Normand could be fielded or not in the decisive match.

If Le Normand can't perform then De la Fuente loses five defenders. Previously, Aymeric Laporte, Dani Vivian and Inigo Martinez had been crossed out due to injury problems.

Now, Cubarsi and Le Normand also cannot play so that the melaang line of Spain is experiencing a crisis.

The reason is, De la Fuente only has three centre-back Dean Huijsen, Raul Asencio and Mario Gila who play at Lazio. Crazy is the last player to be called up for Spain in an emergency situation in the defense sector.

Only the three of them still lack experience. Even Huijsen, who plays in Bournemouth, is still 19. While Crazy has never entered the senior national team.

Spain benefited slightly because they managed to hold the Netherlands in the first lag. However, they cannot underestimate the Oranje team who will field the best squad. Coach Louis van Gaal is also optimistic about the match.

Barca midfielder Frenkie de Jong is back as Van Gaal's mainstay in midfield. De Jong actually just recovered from illness which made him absent when Barca won 4-1 over Atletico in La Liga Spain.

However, the 27-year-old midfielder was already played in the first match even though he was later withdrawn in the 74th minute.

"We'll see. What is clear, I can play for 90 minutes. I'm back fit and there's no problem with the ankle," said De Jong, who was forced to miss the Euro 2024 due to a severe ankle injury.