€70m Barcelona star will not be called up to represent Spain in the U-21 Euros – Report | OneFootball

FC Barcelona’s first-team squad is packed with young talent, many of whom are still eligible for youth-level international competitions. With the UEFA U-21 European Championship taking place this June, some of these rising stars were in contention for a call-up to the Spain squad but one major name will not be making the trip.

One player who was in consideration for a call-up or at least eligible for the same is Pau Cubarsi. The teenager Barcelona center-back has had a brilliant season in Hansi Flick’s team but has looked exhausted in recent weeks.

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As per Mundo Deportivo, Cubarsi will not be called up to the U-21 squad to represent Spain in the Euros once the Nations League concludes. The Barcelona wonderkid was under consideration as Santi Denia was having trouble picking players for the tournament.

The Lamine Yamal of central defence. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

Players like Dean Huijsen and Raul Asencio would have been sure-shot selections for the U-21 squad, but the duo will be with Real Madrid, representing them in the Club World Cup. However, sense has prevailed and Cubarsi will not be risked.

The report has outlined how Cubarsi suffered a severe intestinal virus in the same week that Barcelona played Real Madrid and Inter Milan, which led to him losing 3 kilos. However, the teenager soldiered on and played the games for Hansi Flick’s team.

However, this has come at a cost, though, as the €70m-rated player is now extremely tired and exhausted and has been advised to rest. He will surely be expected to play for Spain in the Nations League games for Luis de la Fuente’s side.

Gerard Martin could get a call-up to the U-21 Euros. (Photo by Judit Cartiel/Getty Images)

A wise decision

RFEF consider Cubarsi a regular in the senior team and that his U-21 career is over and the same goes for players like Fermin Lopez, Marc Casado and Gavi. However, Barcelona players like Gerard Martin and Pable Torre are in line for a call-up.

Cubarsi, like the rest of the Barcelona squad, have given their heart and soul this season and left everything on the pitch. These players need some much needed rest ahead of yet another taxing season that is hardly three months away.

The decision reflects a growing awareness of player welfare and the importance of recovery. With a demanding new season just around the corner, allowing young stars like Cubarsi time to rest is essential. All eyes will now turn to see which other La Masia talents make the cut for Santi Denia’s squad in June.