Barcelona defender to be rested for Spain vs Czech Republic as De la Fuente manages workload | OneFootball

Pau Cubarsi will not feature for Spain against the Czech Republic after Luis de la Fuente decided to rest the Barcelona defender following a demanding spell of international football.

According to Mundo Deportivo, Cubarsi has been left out of the squad for Spain’s Nations League meeting in Oviedo. 

Notably, his absence is not linked to an injury, with De la Fuente instead choosing to manage the teenager’s workload.

The decision comes after Cubarsi completed the full 180 minutes of Spain’s previous two matches against England and Croatia.

Luis de la Fuente takes no risks with Cubarsi

Cubarsi started both fixtures and played every minute, making the decision to leave him out against the Czech Republic a straightforward workload-management move.

Cubarsi will be rested for the Czech Republic game. (Photo by Florencia Tan Jun/Getty Images)

Spain are already dealing with several departures from the squad, so De la Fuente is keen to avoid losing further players during the international window.

On that note, the likes of Pedro Porro, Eric Garcia, Nico Williams, Grimaldo and Ferran Torres have all returned to their respective clubs, adding to the need for careful management of those who remain with the national team.

Barcelona defender expected back against Croatia

As per the outlet, the plan is for Cubarsi to return to action for Spain’s next fixture. The centre-back is expected to be fully rested ahead of the meeting with Croatia in Split next Tuesday.

That gives the Barcelona defender an opportunity to recover after two physically demanding matches while allowing De la Fuente to rotate his squad without putting Cubarsi at unnecessary risk.

The decision will also be welcomed at Barcelona, where the young defender remains an important part of Hansi Flick’s plans.

Cubarsi’s workload remains a key concern

Cubarsi will be available against Croatia. (Photo by Florencia Tan Jun/Getty Images)

For a player who has already become a regular for both Barcelona and Spain at such a young age, managing his minutes is increasingly important.

Cubarsi’s omission against the Czech Republic is therefore not a setback or selection demotion. 

Rather, it is a deliberate decision to protect a player who has just completed two full international matches.

If everything goes according to De la Fuente’s plan, Cubarsi will return against Croatia with a full week of recovery behind him.