Cesc Fabregas will be sidelined from Spain’s upcoming matches against Belarus and Germany through a hamstring injury.
The medical staff of the reigning European champions have decided that the Chelsea midfielder cannot continue with preparations for this weekend’s Uefa Euro 2016 qualifier against Belarus and the friendly against Germany next week despite being initially included in coach Vincente del Bosque’s squad.
Fabregas is expected to return back to London later on Tuesday following his tests in Madrid.
Del Bosque has called up Villarreal midfielder Bruno Soriano as Fabregas’ replacement.
The Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) statement read: “The Chelsea midfielder has been ruled out for the games against Belarus and Germany following tests and an evaluation of his condition that was carried out this morning by the medical staff of the Spanish national team.
“The MRI, completed this morning in the Sanitas Clinic in La Moraleja (Madrid), showed a clear improvement with respect to the one done by his club on Sunday. Although the MRI discards a hamstring tear, the player continues to have discomfort and the medical team considers that his involvement in the next games would not be advisable for his complete recovery.”
Fabregas played the whole of Chelsea’s 2-1 win over Liverpool at Anfield last Saturday after which, manager Jose Mourinho admitted he and the playmaker had taken a “gamble” concerning his fitness.
He joins Manchester City’s David Silva and Barcelona’s Andres Iniesta on the sidelines. Chelsea striker Diego Costa was omitted from the Spain squad, with the former Atletico Madrid marksman needing to rest following his recent injury troubles.
Spain host Belarus on Saturday before facing world champions Germany in Vigo on 18 November.
