MADRID - Spain have called up four players to take part in a parallel training bubble following captain Sergio Busquets's positive COVID-19 test at the weekend, the national team said on Monday.
The new additions — Rodrigo (Leeds United), Pablo Fornals (West Ham United), Carlos Soler (Valencia) and Brais Méndez (Celta Vigo) — will not stay at Spain's Las Rozas training base or be involved with the rest of the preparations of the squad, who are currently isolating.
"As a provision to the possible consequences that could come from Sergio Busquets's positive test, the coaching staff have decided to call up a group of four players to complement the training sessions over the next few days under the guidance of (manager) Luis Enrique in a parallel bubble," said a statement.
OFICIAL | Incorporación de jugadores a la concentración para entrenar en burbuja paralela.
Rodrigo Moreno, @pablofornals, @Carlos10Soler y Brais Méndez, citados para empezar a trabajar mañana de forma individual.ℹ️ https://t.co/KWt6gqLerQ#SomosEspaña #EURO2020 pic.twitter.com/IoxQTYBZ0n
— Selección Española de Fútbol (@SeFutbol) June 7, 2021
Spain are due to face Lithuania in a friendly on Tuesday with their Under-21 squad, who have just finished playing in their own European Championship where they reached the semifinals, and coach Luis de la Fuente is stepping in to fill the gap left by the isolating senior set-up.
"Once the game with Lithuania has finished, a small group of players yet to be determined will join training in a similar fashion to the aforementioned new group. Their incorporation into the squad for Euro 2020 will depend on the results that come back over the next few days."
Spain face Sweden in their Group E opener next Monday.
(Reporting by Joseph Walker; Editing by Ken Ferris)
