Isco forced to leave Spanish national team with strained muscle

Spanish midfielder Isco was forced to leave the national team and return to Real Madrid after picking up an injury during training.

The Spanish national team confirmed the injury, saying Isco felt discomfort during a solo training session before several medical tests revealed he's suffering from a strained muscle. He has since been sent back to Madrid, where Real's medical staff will likely determine the severity of the 23-year-old's injury.

"The midfielder carried out an individual training session, separate from the team, due to the discomfort felt upon arriving to the practice," the Spanish Football Federation said in a statement.

"This morning, after undergoing several medical tests at the Sanitas-La Moraleja hospital and after analyzing the results, and sharing them with his club, Isco has left the national team meet-up."

Isco joins Sergio Ramos (shoulder) and Juanfran (thigh strain) as the third player forced to leave the team because of injury.

Real Madrid has yet to comment on the matter, as Isco will now miss international friendlies against England and Belgium.

Isco - Real Madrid's assist leader - faces a race against time to regain fitness for the season's first Clasico against Barcelona on Nov. 21.