Iglesias gets Spain call after Yamal injury

Iglesias gets Spain call after Yamal injury

Xinhua
06 Oct 2025, 17:20 GMT+

MADRID, Oct. 6 (Xinhua) -- Spain national team coach Luis de la Fuente has called Celta Vigo striker Borja Iglesias into his squad for the World Cup qualifying games against Georgia and Bulgaria.

The 32-year-old has started the season in excellent form with six goals in 10 games in all competitions for his club and covers the loss of Barcelona winger, Lamine Yamal, who had to drop out with a relapse of the pelvic injury that has troubled him for the last month.

Iglesias, who is nicknamed 'The Panda' after a Spanish rapper, has played twice for Spain, with his last appearance in March 2023 in a 2-0 defeat against Scotland.

A player with a strong social commitment, Iglesias announced his temporary retirement from the Spain national team in August 2023 in protest at the unwanted kiss that former Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) President, Luis Rubiales gave Jenni Hermoso in the celebration after the Spanish women's team won the 2023 Women's World Cup, although he retracted his decision when Rubiales had to leave his position.

It remains to be seen if De la Fuente will call on another player to cover for Rodrigo Hernandez after the Manchester City midfielder injured his hamstring on Sunday.

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