Fran García returns to Spain squad three years later after Grimaldo injury
Luis de la Fuente has called up the Real Betis left-back to replace Alejandro Grimaldo, who left the national team camp with muscle discomfort. The Betis defender returns to the senior side almost three years after his only two caps, earned during the Euro 2024 qualifying campaign.
Byvarela5 min read
Fran García is back in Spain's senior national team. The Real Betis left-back was called up on Wednesday by Luis de la Fuente to fill the gap left by Alejandro Grimaldo, who withdrew at the last minute after feeling discomfort during the warm-up before Spain's match against Croatia at the Sánchez-Pizjuán.
- Luis de la Fuente calls up Betis left-back Fran García after Alejandro Grimaldo's withdrawal.
- Grimaldo felt discomfort in his left thigh before Spain vs Croatia and leaves the camp as a precaution.
- Spain still have two fixtures in this window: Czech Republic in Oviedo and Croatia in Split.
- Fran García last played for Spain in October 2023, during Euro 2024 qualifying.
Fran García's call-up: a phone call from the Benito Villamarín
The Spain head coach has turned to the Betis defender to shore up the left side of the back line. Fran García, aged 26, has established himself as a key piece for Real Betis this season, combining stamina, defensive intensity and a willingness to join the attack. That form has earned him a place in a squad he last featured in nearly three years ago.
Alejandro Grimaldo's injury and the medical staff's decision
The Atletico de Madrid defender felt discomfort in his left thigh during the warm-up before the Spain vs Croatia game at the Sánchez-Pizjuán. After the tests carried out, he leaves the national team camp as a precaution, avoiding any added risk and preserving the player's health.
Caution from the coaching staff and the Spanish Football Federation's medical team prevailed when releasing the Atletico player. With two matches still to play in this international window, there was no reason to push a situation that might worsen. Grimaldo returns to his club to complete his recovery with full peace of mind.
Spain's next two matches: what is at stake in this window
Spain close out their Nations League group stage with two demanding fixtures. The first comes this Saturday at the Carlos Tartiere in Oviedo, where Luis de la Fuente's side host the Czech Republic at 20:45 local time. It is a rare chance for the Asturian crowd to watch the senior national team in a stadium that does not usually host them.
The second match, and the last of the window, takes place next Tuesday, October 6, in Split. Croatia, beaten 4-1 at the Sánchez-Pizjuán, will be looking for a response in front of their own fans. For Spain, both games carry qualification value and offer a chance to fine-tune performances ahead of major international tournaments.
Fran García's two previous caps with Spain
He may feel like a newcomer, but Fran García already knows what it means to wear the Spain shirt. His first spell with the senior side dates back to October 2023, when Luis de la Fuente handed him two appearances during the Euro 2024 qualifiers. Spain won both games without conceding a single goal.
On October 12, 2023, he started in the 2-0 win over Scotland at La Cartuja. Three days later, on October 15, he played in the 1-0 away victory against Norway at the Ullevaal Stadion in Oslo. That call-up confirmed the development of a full-back who came through Real Madrid's academy and is now working his way back into the international picture from Heliópolis.
Fran García and the battle for Spain's left-back spot
Grimaldo's injury opens a door that Fran García will want to take. The Betis full-back has only a few training sessions to convince the coach that he deserves minutes in the window's two remaining matches. His versatility and his ability to cover the whole flank fit the attacking style Luis de la Fuente has instilled in this Spain side.
The competition at left-back for Spain is fierce, with established names like Grimaldo himself and Marc Cucurella. Even so, Fran García's inclusion in this squad proves that the door remains open for LaLiga players performing at a high level. Oviedo and Split are now two ideal stages for him to make his case.
Frequently asked questions about Fran García's call-up
Frequently asked questions
Why has Fran García been called up by Spain?
Luis de la Fuente has brought in the Real Betis left-back to replace Alejandro Grimaldo, who left the camp with discomfort in his left thigh. He was the natural option to reinforce the left flank for the two remaining matches of the window.
How many caps does Fran García have for Spain?
Fran García has earned two senior caps, both in October 2023. He played in the Euro 2024 qualifiers against Scotland and Norway, with Spain winning 2-0 and 1-0 respectively.
What matches do Spain still have in this FIFA window?
Spain host the Czech Republic this Saturday at the Carlos Tartiere in Oviedo at 20:45. They close the window on Tuesday, October 6, away to Croatia in Split, also at 20:45.