Barcelona duo could miss Copa del Rey clash vs Racing after earning Spain youth NT call-up | OneFootball

On Wednesday, FC Barcelona learned who they will face in the Copa del Rey Round of 16 later this month, with the Catalans getting drawn against Racing Santander.

The match is set to be played on 15 January, away at Estadio El Sardinero.

Dro, Jofre Torrents could miss Copa del Rey clash

However, as per Mundo Deportivo, youngsters Pedro Fernandez ‘Dro’ and Jofre Torrents might end up missing the match.

That is because both players have been called up by the Spain Under-18 and Under-19 teams, respectively, to play friendly matches against Italy on Wednesday, 14 January.

The players are due to report on Monday and would only become available again on Thursday, without having taken part in the build-up to the Copa match in the preceding days.

Jofre Torrents called up by Spain U-19. (Photo by Rafa Babot/Getty Images)

As such, if Hansi Flick was planning to give minutes to Torrents and Dro, the club would need to negotiate with the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) to secure their release from the youth national team squads.

It must be noted that both Dro and Jofre are regulars in the German coach’s Barcelona first-team squads and are currently in Saudi Arabia for the Spanish Super Cup.

More La Masia talents called up

Meanwhile, a total of nine Barcelona players have been called up across the two youth national teams.

For the Italy v Spain Under-19 match, which will be played at the Italian Football Federation complex in Coverciano on 14 January, coach Paco Gallardo has selected Andres Cuenca and Jofre, along with midfielder Quim Junyent.

Six Barcelona players have been called up by David Tenorio for the Spain v Italy Under-18 match, which will take place in Las Rozas.

They are Alex Campos, Dro, Pedro Rodriguez, Pedro Villar, Guille Fernandez, and Toni Fernandez.