Barcelona youngster in Spain squad list for Iraq friendly; no Pedri, Lamine | OneFootball

FC Barcelona midfielder Marc Bernal could make his first appearance for the Spanish national team tonight, after Luis de la Fuente included him in the squad for the friendly against Iraq.

The young Barça player, who has been training with the national team in recent days to help prepare the World Cup squad, will wear the No. 18 shirt.

The La Masia midfielder takes the number usually worn by Martín Zubimendi, who will be part of Spain’s World Cup squad.

The Arsenal midfielder joined the camp last Wednesday but will not feature in the match at Riazor, Spain’s final warm-up fixture before their World Cup opener against Cape Verde.

Reward for Bernal

Spain debut on the horizon. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

Having enjoyed a solid season after recovering from his ACL injury that kept him out for almost a year, the involvement with the Spanish senior national team seems like a just reward for Bernal.

The 18-year-old wonderkid impressed with his maturity and composure in midfield while also showcasing his goalscoring quality for Hansi Flick’s side.

Now, even though he will not be a part of the World Cup squad, Bernal could get an opportunity to make his La Roja debut tonight against Iraq.

No Pedri or Lamine Yamal

Lamine and Pedri will not be involved vs Iraq. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

Meanwhile, Spain boss De la Fuente has left out ten players for tonight’s match, opting to rest them before the trip to North America.

On the list happen to be two Barcelona stars in Pedri and Lamine Yamal, with the latter still recovering from a hamstring injury he sustained towards the end of the season.

But the Spain manager remains optimistic about the teenage superstar’s availability for the World Cup opener.

Source: SPORT