Spain lose Alex Grimaldo for Nations League clash with England

Spain will be without Alex Grimaldo for their Nations League meeting with England after the Bayer Leverkusen left-back left the national team’s training camp because of a fever.

The Spanish Football Federation confirmed that Grimaldo had been removed from manager Luis de la Fuente’s squad and had returned home to rest and recover from influenza.

Grimaldo became unwell while with the Spain squad at Las Rozas and departed the camp on Saturday. The coaching staff decided he should not remain with the group because of his condition.

The 30-year-old was unable to complete Spain’s latest training session after De la Fuente asked him to stop. He was then assessed by the national team’s medical staff, who monitored his condition before the decision was taken for him to continue his recovery away from the squad.

His absence removes one of De la Fuente’s options at left-back before the meeting with England, with the Spain manager deciding not to call up a replacement. Spain will therefore prepare for the match with the players already in the squad.

Marc Cucurella is now the leading candidate to start at left-back against England in Grimaldo’s absence.

The match is scheduled for 15 November 2026 as part of the Nations League – Path One.

Spain’s latest setback comes after Grimaldo had been included in the group for the forthcoming fixture. His departure means Cucurella is expected to take on increased responsibility in the position, with no additional player being brought into the squad.

The Spanish Football Federation’s decision followed the medical assessment of Grimaldo after his symptoms prevented him from training normally with his international team-mates. He will now rest at home while recovering from the illness.