Daijiworld Media Network - Madrid

Madrid, Oct 13: Spain are on the brink of securing their place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup and can take a major step forward with a win over Bulgaria on Tuesday in Valladolid. However, head coach Luis de la Fuente faces fresh injury concerns as yet another key player has been ruled out.

The Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) confirmed on Monday that Ferran Torres has withdrawn from the squad due to a muscle issue. The FC Barcelona forward experienced discomfort after Spain's dominant win over Georgia and was evaluated by team medical staff. Scans revealed a muscle overload but no structural damage.

“Ferran Torres has been dropped from the squad for the Bulgaria match. After completing the game against Georgia, he reported muscle discomfort. Tests confirmed a muscle overload without anatomical injury,” said an RFEF statement.

Ferran joins a growing list of casualties, including Dean Huijsen (muscle fatigue), Dani Olmo (calf injury), and rising star Lamine Yamal, all of whom pulled out shortly after the initial squad announcement. Rodri also withdrew earlier due to fitness concerns.

Despite the mounting injuries, Spain have maintained perfect form in their World Cup qualifying campaign. A commanding 4-0 victory over Georgia in Elche on Saturday showcased the squad’s depth, with standout performances from Yeremy Pino, Pablo Barrios, and Alex Baena.

Spain currently top their qualifying group with three wins from three games, sitting three points ahead of Turkey, whom they emphatically defeated 6-0 away in September.

Meanwhile, opponents Bulgaria have endured a disastrous campaign. They sit bottom of the table with three defeats, having conceded 12 goals, including a 3-0 home loss to Spain and a recent 6-1 drubbing by Turkey.

While Spain have been clinical—11 goals scored, none conceded—De la Fuente is expected to rotate his squad amid concerns from club sides, particularly Barcelona, over the growing number of injuries sustained on international duty.

As a result, players like Alex Baena and Aymeric Laporte could feature in the starting XI on Tuesday.

Spain will go into the match as heavy favourites, and a win would put them within touching distance of qualification for the 2026 World Cup in North America, continuing their dominant run under De la Fuente despite the injury setbacks.