Real Madrid defender Sergio Ramos has returned from international duty after picking up a back injury in Spain’s 1-1 draw with Italy on Thursday.
Going back home
The defender was taken off at half-time in Thursday’s international friendly as Aritz Aduriz’s strike cancelled out Lorenzo Insigne’s opener.
It looked to have been a tactical change from Vincente del Bosque but it has been revealed that he complained of a back problem throughout the first period and the international side haven’t taken a chance with his fitness.
The Madrid skipper left del Bosque’s camp on Friday and has travelled back to Spanish capital which he will miss out on Sunday’s friendly with Romania.
A statement from the Spanish FA read: Sergio Ramos has left the squad on Friday morning after lumber pains that prevented him from playing the second half against Italy yesterday.
"Ramos will return to Spain today, while the national team continues to prepare for the second friendly that will take place on Sunday in Cluj against Romania."
Sigh of relief
This will be a setback for the 29-year-old as he has been suffering from a shoulder injury for the past few months and is expected to be a key part of the Spanish squad ahead of this summer’s European Championships in France as Spain look to win their third consecutive championship.
However Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane will breathe a sigh of relief as it is initially thought the injury isn’t serious enough to keep him out of next Saturday’s El Clasico with arch rivals FC Barcelona.
The national side will face Romania on Sunday who have their own injury problems as it was announced that defender Laszlo Sepsi will miss the match as he has returned to his club FC Nurnberg for treatment.
Spain will visit Romania at the Cluj Arena on Sunday, March 27 with kick-off at 7:45pm BST.