Morata bids for fitness with hamstring test by the Spanish national team

In a situation similar to the last time we had the starting center forward of the Spanish national team come down with a hamstring injury, Álvaro Morata has traveled to Madrid to join up with his international colleagues and undergo a fitness test today (Monday).

Back in March 2015, Diego Costa did the exact same thing before getting sent back home after the Spanish doctors confirmed the severity of the ailment. There’s a very good chance the same thing happens now with Morata — Conte expects that as well, it would seem — although according to Marca, Morata himself is hopeful that it’s “not a serious injury” and that it might even allow him to play in Spain’s upcoming World Cup qualifiers in this international break.

While Saturday’s early substitution was probably as much precaution as actual injury, if Morata is able to play less than a week later, it’s unlikely to be a smart idea — not to mention not a great look following his game-changing injury against Manchester City.

Hopefully all involved will see the benefit of giving Morata time off to rest and recover. Spain, also featuring Pedro and César Azpilicueta in this edition, are basically already qualified anyway (need a win over Albania or Israel to clinch the group).