Rafael Garrido ‘Rafita’ has been called up by Spain U-21 head coach David Gordo to join the national team squad. The Málaga CF player replaces RCD Espanyol’s Javi Hernández, who has withdrawn from the squad due to a muscle problem.

Rafita will join up with the squad on Sunday at the Ciudad del Fútbol in Las Rozas, where Spain will continue preparing for their final two matches in the qualifying phase for the 2027 UEFA European Under-21 Championship, which will be held in Albania and Serbia.

Spain will travel to San Marino on Thursday 1 October, with kick-off at 20:15 at the San Marino Stadium in Serravalle. The national team will then round off the qualifying phase against Romania on Tuesday 6 October at 19:00 at the Estadi Municipal Can Misses in Ibiza.

Congratulations and best of luck, Rafita!