Spain omit Ferran Torres from Nations League squad over ankle pain

Spain striker Ferran Torres has pulled out of the national squad because of persistent left‑ankle pain, missing the remaining Nations League fixtures against the Czech Republic and Croatia. The team said the injury continued to bother him despite early training and match involvement, so doctors and staff decided to withdraw him to protect his recovery. Torres, who scored the winning goal in the World Cup final against Argentina, was a starter in Saturday’s 3-2 win over England but was taken off in the 55th minute. He remained an unused substitute in the 4-1 victory over Croatia on Tuesday. Carlos Espi of Real Madrid has been called up to replace Torres for the upcoming games. The Czech Republic match is scheduled for Saturday in Oviedo, and the Croatia clash follows later in the break. ## Context In the Nations League, each country fields its best available players, so injuries like Torres’s can force last‑minute changes. Spain’s depth allows a Real Madrid striker to step in, but the loss of a World Cup hero still impacts team options.