Spain and Real Betis winger Isco has fractured the fibula in his left leg and has been ruled out of Euro 2024, his club said on Friday.
The 32-year-old, who has proved to be one of the outstanding players in LaLiga this season, was tipped to be included after being named man of the match in 19 games.
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Earlier this week, Spain coach Luis de la Fuente praised the former Real Madrid player and suggested he could make his squad ahead of the Euros.
"He's having a spectacular season and he can come," De La Fuente said in an interview on Teledeporte. "He hasn't been with us due to various setbacks. We all know him and we know how talented he is. I publicly declare myself an admirer of Isco."
However, De La Fuente's hopes of including Isco in his squad were dashed on Thursday when Real Betis confirmed the severity of his injury.
"After the tests carried out on Isco Alarcón today, it is confirmed that the player has suffered a diaphyseal fracture in his left fibula," the club said in a statement. "The Club's medical services will assess the need for surgical intervention to resolve the injury in the next few hours."
Isco, who has reinvigorated his career since moving to Real Betis, suffered the injury during Thursday's 2-2 draw against Las Palmas.
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The five-time Champions League winner was sidelined earlier this year for two months with a muscular problem but had regained full fitness and was eager to return to the Spain squad following a lengthy absence.
Omitted from Spain's Euro 2020 squad, Isco has made 38 appearances for the national team but has not featured for his country since June 2019.