Official: Barcelona youngster withdraws from Spain U-21 squad | OneFootball

Following discussions between the club and the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF), Barcelona starlet Marc Bernal has been omitted from the Spain U-21 squad, it has been confirmed.

The RFEF also confirmed that with Bernal dropping out, Wolves youngster Fer Lopez has been called up as his replacement.

“Fer Lopez replaces Marc Bernal in the squad, as the latter is experiencing physical discomfort,” the statement read.

“The medical services of the RFEF, in contact with their counterparts at FC Barcelona, reviewed the reports submitted on Friday night by the Catalan club, after David Gordo’s squad list had already been announced earlier that day.

“Prioritising the player’s health, the RFEF has decided to withdraw Marc Bernal from the squad.”

The 18-year-old midfield gem was named in the squad, announced on Friday, by manager David Gordo, for the fixtures against Norway and Finland.

However, Barça raised concerns about his call-up, considering that Bernal had only recently come back after more than a year out due to an ACL injury.

Since making his comeback in mid-September, the teenage gem has only played around 20 minutes, with Hansi Flick & co. managing the situation very carefully.

Given the situation, Barcelona spoke to the RFEF and after the discussion, all parties agreed that it would be best for Bernal to continue his training and reintegration at the club rather than flying with the Spain U-21 squad.