Le Normand joins the national team after Eric García's withdrawal

Robin Le Normand, centre‑back of Atlético de Madrid (Atleti), trained on Friday in Majadahonda and, despite the scheduled break, received a call on Sunday from Luis de la Fuente to join the Spanish national team after Eric García withdrew due to discomfort.

Training and rest with Atlético

On Friday, Robin Le Normand trained in Majadahonda with Atlético de Madrid, as part of the six first‑team players who, like the rest of the week, were under the orders of Diego Simeone. The centre‑back had been scheduled to rest until Tuesday afternoon, the date on which the red‑and‑white side would resume training. Javier G. Gómara appears in the club’s information, confirming the rest plan.

Call‑up and upcoming match with the national team

However, on Sunday Le Normand received the call of Luis de la Fuente to join the Spanish national team’s training camp, replacing Eric García, who returned to Barcelona due to discomfort. On Monday he completed his first training session at the Ciudad del Fútbol in Las Rozas and, that same afternoon, departed with the delegation for Seville for Tuesday’s match against Croatia at the Sánchez Pizjuán, with the Nations League group lead at stake at 20:45.

Spain look to refresh squad as Luis de la Fuente prepares Croatia clash

Le Normand, Euro 2024 champion, had not played a match with the senior Spanish national team since 14 October 2025, when Spain beat Bulgaria 4‑0. In his international career he has amassed 27 caps and one goal, but he had not been called up in the last 15 matches managed by Luis de la Fuente.

His improvement at Atlético in recent weeks, combined with the absences of Eric García and Pedro Porro, and the decision of Marcos Llorente to withdraw from the national team, has reopened Spain’s doors to the French player. The lack of these defenders has also seen Marc Pubill take the left‑back position, as happened at Wembley.

Luis de la Fuente demands rotations before Spain‑Croatia clash in Seville