Spain boss Luis Enrique has explained Inigo Martinez’s absence from the national squad despite playing for Athletic Club Bilbao.
The Basque club had already confirmed the defender suffered a ‘muscular injury’ in the recent draw with Barca but despite appearing against old club Real Sociedad the following week, was excluded from Spain’s squad.
“We were told of his situation and decided not to call upon Inigo,” Enrique told reporters, as cited by Diario AS.
“He played for his club because it was a special game, a derby match and they decided to play him, which was their decision to take that risk.
“However, for us it is a different perspective and the player understands this.”
