Spain have suffered a major blow as midfielder Rodri Hernandez has been ruled out of their World Cup qualifiers with a hamstring injury.
The Manchester City star’s absence weakens Luis de la Fuente’s squad.
Manchester City midfielder Rodri Hernandez has been ruled out of Spain’s squad for their upcoming 2026 World Cup qualifying matches after sustaining a hamstring injury.
The Spanish Football Federation confirmed on Monday that the 29-year-old would not feature in the national team’s games against Georgia on October 11 and Bulgaria on October 14.
“Rodri is out of the squad because of injury,” the team announced in a brief statement. The midfielder picked up the knock during City’s 2–0 Premier League victory over Brentford on Sunday and was substituted in the 21st minute after feeling discomfort in his hamstring.
Rodri, who played a crucial role in Spain’s Euro 2024 success, only recently returned from a serious knee injury that sidelined him for most of last season. His absence is seen as a major setback for Luis de la Fuente’s side as they continue their qualification campaign.
Spain have not yet confirmed whether another player will be called up to replace the 2024 Ballon d’Or winner. On Sunday, coach Luis de la Fuente had already drafted in Celta Vigo forward Borja Iglesias to fill in for Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal, who was ruled out through injury.
Rodri’s recovery will now be closely monitored by Manchester City’s medical team, with concerns about how long he might be sidelined ahead of the club’s upcoming fixtures.
