MADRID, Oct 1 — Spain midfielder Pedri is out of next week’s Nations League finals, the Spanish FA (RFEF) said today.
The 18-year-old Barcelona player, who was a standout performer during Spain’s run to the semi-finals of Euro 2020, has suffered a recurrence of a thigh injury which saw him miss a fortnight of action in September. He will also miss his side’s showdown with Atletico Madrid tomorrow.
Celta Vigo’s Brais Mendez has been called up as a replacement by coach Luis Enrique, who raised a few eyebrows by selecting Pedri’s 17-year-old club mate Gavi in the squad, despite the teenager starting just two senior games of football in his career.
Spain face hosts Italy next Wednesday in the first semi-final, with Belgium taking on France in the other last-four encounter a day later.
The final and third-place playoffs will take place next Sunday. — Reuters
