Unai Simón, the international goalkeeper for Athletic Club, came to the defense of his former teammate Iñigo Martínez, who was unable to play against the Netherlands due to injury after being called up by Luis de la Fuente for his return to the national team.

Backing His Former Teammate and Barça’s Medical Staff

"Anyone who doubts Iñigo is showing a lack of respect towards the player and Barcelona's medical staff," Simón stated in a press conference.

"I haven’t spoken to him, but I think it’s wrong to question a player like Iñigo Martínez. If the club has issued a medical report confirming his injury, it’s disrespectful not to believe the player and to put Barcelona’s medical staff in doubt. He was eager to join the squad, but he couldn’t due to his injury. A teammate like him doesn’t deserve this kind of disrespect," the goalkeeper added.

The Importance of Reporting to the National Team

Despite his defense of Iñigo Martínez, Unai Simón also acknowledged the importance of players called up by Luis de la Fuente reporting to the Ciudad del Fútbol training camp to be assessed by the national team’s medical staff. "It’s always good for players with minor issues to come to the national team, because sometimes those problems can be resolved, and they might be able to play the second leg in Valencia," said the Athletic Club goalkeeper.

However, he emphasized the importance of prioritizing players' health: "If there’s any risk of a relapse, the best thing to do is stay home, recover, and be ready—hopefully—to play in the Nations League finals in June," Simón concluded.