Ruiz quits Spain squad for birth of first child
Spanish midfielder Fabian Ruiz has withdrawn from the national squad to attend the birth of his first child in Paris. His availability for the upcoming match against Croatia remains uncertain.
Why it matters
Player absences due to personal milestones are common in professional sports, impacting team selection for international tournaments.
Spain's midfielder Fabian Ruiz gives a press conference on the eve of the UEFA Nations League league phase football match between Spain and Croatia at Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan Stadium in Seville on September 28, 2026. (Photo by Javier SORIANO / AFP)
Midfielder Fabian Ruiz left the Spain squad on Saturday to be present for the birth of his first child in Paris, the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) said.
The 30-year-old Paris Saint-Germain player will miss the Nations League match against the Czech Republic on Saturday evening in Oviedo.
The RFEF did not say if he might return for the final match of the international break against Croatia on Tuesday in Split.
Ruiz started both games as world champions Spain started their campaign with wins over England and Croatia.
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