Diego Simeone hits back at Jose Mourinho after controversial Madrid derby
Diego Simeone has urged Jose Mourinho to show greater respect towards referees after the Real Madrid coach criticised the officials following a controversial Madrid derby.
Ferran Torres injury for Spain adds to Barcelona's growing fitness woes
Torres earned his 50th cap on Saturday in Spain's 2-0 victory over Georgia in Elche but will play no part in Tuesday's 2026 World Cup qualifier against Bulgaria in Valladolid after reporting muscle discomfort.
The Royal Spanish Football Federation confirmed that the Barcelona winger had undergone medical tests which revealed muscle overload, though no structural damage was detected.
A statement from the RFEF read: "Ferran Torres has been dropped from the squad for the fourth World Cup 2026 qualifier against Bulgaria in Valladolid. After completing the match against Georgia, he reported muscle discomfort that was evaluated by the RFEF's medical services. Additional tests diagnosed muscle overload with no associated anatomical injury.
"In keeping with the policy of taking no risks and prioritising the player's health, he has been withdrawn from the squad. FC Barcelona's medical team has been informed of all the details."
Torres is the latest in a growing list of Barcelona players returning early from international duty. Midfielder Dani Olmo has also been sidelined after sustaining a calf injury with Spain earlier in the break, while several key players, including Frenkie de Jong (who made an appearance for Netherlands on Sunday) and Pedri. are already recovering from fitness issues.
Barcelona are set to assess Torres upon his return to the club as they prepare for a crucial run of fixtures in La Liga and the Champions League. The Catalan side have relied heavily on Torres' attacking contributions this season, with the 25-year-old featuring regularly under coach Hansi Flick.
The club's medical staff are understood to be hopeful that the forward's problem is only minor, but his situation will be closely monitored in the coming days.
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