In a crazy turn of events, manager Luis Enrique has had to form a "parallel" 17-man Spain squad ahead of the 2020 UEFA European Championship due to two COVID-19 infections in his initial team.
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Barcelona midfielder Sergio Busquets and Atletico Madrid's Diego Llorente have both tested positive for the coronavirus this week, forcing Enrique to put together a crisis plan should more infections surface.
In response to Llorente's positive test, the Royal Spanish Football Federation announced, via a statement on its official website, that they have set up a "parallel" squad, with 11 U21 back-ups called in to complete a new group of 17, with the initial six named earlier this week.
"The coaching staff of Spain's national team have decided 11 (U21) internationals initially called up for the match against Lithuania will remain part of the senior national team," the statement read.
"This group of internationals will join their teammates... within a parallel bubble, created in anticipation of the possible consequences that could result from the positives of Sergio Busquets and Diego Llorente."
Spain's full back-up squad:
Initial six: Rodrigo Moreno (Leeds United), Pablo Fornals (West Ham United), Carlos Soler (Valencia), Brais Mendez (Celta Vigo), Raul Albiol (Villarreal), Kepa Arrizabalaga (Chelsea)
The 11 U21 players: Alvaro Fernandez (Huesca), Oscar Mingueza (Barcelona), Marc Cucurella (Getafe), Bryan Gil (Eibar), Juan Miranda (Real Betis), Gonzalo Villar (Roma), Alejandro Pozo (Eibar), Brahim Diaz (AC Milan), Martin Zubimendi (Real Sociedad), Yeremy Pino (Villarreal), Javi Puado (Espanyol)
Click through the gallery below to see some high-profile superstars who will not be taking part in the Euros!
