Barcelona striker Ferran Torres left the Spanish national team camp on the eve of their match against Bulgaria in the European qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup due to a muscle injury, according to the local football federation.

The Spanish federation stated, “After participating in the match against Georgia in Elche, Barcelona’s striker complained of muscle pain that was evaluated by the medical services of the Spanish Football Federation… Doctors diagnosed his injury as a muscle strain,” ruling out any serious injury. The federation, facing pressure from major clubs due to the congested match schedule, said it does not want to “take risks” and prioritizes “the player’s health.”

Ferran Torres, who has been relied upon by Barcelona’s German coach Hansi Flick as a key player since the start of the season, played the entire match against Georgia which Spain won 2-0, bringing them closer to securing qualification for the 2026 World Cup. The former Manchester City striker joined a long list of absentees from the “La Roja” squad, which is already missing seven key players: Lamine Jamal, Nico Williams, Rodri, Dani Carvajal, Fabián Ruiz, Dejan Hausen, and Dani Olmo.

This new injury will increase criticism directed at the national team coach Luis de la Fuente’s management, who was accused by Flick of forcing Jamal to play during the last international window despite his injury.