Barcelona upset over midfield starlet’s call-up to Spain U-21 national team – report | OneFootball

Spain national team coach Luis de la Fuente announced the squad list for their upcoming games against Georgia and Bulgaria earlier today.

Much to the frustration of Barcelona, Lamine Yamal was included in the squad, despite his return from an injury only recently. Along with him, Pedri, Dani Olmo, Ferran Torres, and Pau Cubarsi were also named.

Meanwhile, teenage midfielder Marc Bernal was named in the Spain U-21 national team squad for their games against Norway and Finland by manager David Gordo.

Barcelona angry over Bernal inclusion

Now, according to journalist Jose Alvarez on El Chiringuito TV, Barcelona are upset and angry over Bernal’s inclusion in the Spain U-21 squad.

The frustration is very much understandable considering that the 18-year-old midfielder has only recently come back after more than a year out due to an ACL injury.

Since his return in September, Bernal has played only three times for the Catalans, clocking up just 21 minutes.

It goes on to show how careful and cautious Hansi Flick & co. have been with the handling of the La Masia graduate’s return and reintegration into the team.

Bernal has been called up for Spain U-21’s matches. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

Thus, the decision to call him up for Spain’s U-21 fixtures against Norway and Finland is seen as a concern by Barcelona, especially considering how things were handled with Lamine Yamal’s fitness issues with the La Roja national team last month.

It must be noted that the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) even approached Barcelona to include Bernal in the squad for the U-20 World Cup, which began last month, only to be shot down.

However, Spain U-21 manager David Gordo was not worried about any physical concerns surrounding Bernal, as he said:

“Marc is a player we know well, having previously played for the Spanish youth teams. He is an important player for us, and we want to see him closely during this period.”

“We want him to get playing minutes, as this will serve him well and will also help us make the national team more competitive. His presence here is good for him and for us at the same time. We are very happy to have him called up,” he added.