Barcelona teenage gem will not play for Spain at the U-21 Euros this summer | OneFootball

Just 18 years old, Pau Cubarsi has become the defensive lynchpin of this FC Barcelona team, forging a flourishing partnership alongside Inigo Martinez.

The La Masia gem has been an ever-present in the team under Hansi Flick this season when fit and available, racking up a whopping 4123 minutes across 55 games in all competitions, in which he has even contributed with one goal and four assists.

No Cubarsi for Spain at the U-21 Euros

Now, according to Mundo Deportivo, Pau Cubarsi will not participate in the upcoming UEFA Under-21 European Championship set to begin in June, following the conclusion of the Nations League.

The decision comes after internal discussions between Barcelona and the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF).

Cubarsi’s inclusion for the U-21 Euros had been considered due to the absence of key defenders such as Dean Huijsen and Raul Asencio, who are expected to take part in the FIFA Club World Cup during the summer.

Cubarsi will not play at the U-21 Euros. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

As such, the RFEF had evaluated the possibility of adding the 18-year-old Barcelona defender to Santi Denia’s squad.

However, in recent hours, the decision has leaned towards protecting the player’s health. Cubarsi arrives at the end of the season in a physically demanding state.

Concerns with Cubarsi

After all, Cubarsi has endured a taxing year, having taken part in the UEFA Euro 2024 preparations last summer, competed in the Olympic Games, and played a key role throughout the season under Flick at Barcelona.

Furthermore, concerns over his physical condition intensified during the final weeks of the season.

During the period in which Barcelona faced Inter Milan and Real Madrid, Cubarsi was affected by an intestinal virus that caused him to lose three kilograms. This left him significantly worn out.

As such, Barcelona believe he now requires a period of rest, and even within the RFEF, he is now regarded as a player fully established in the senior national team, marking the end of his U-21 phase, meaning he will not be part of the U-21 Euros.

For now, the Barça players with the strongest chances of making the squad for the European Championship are Gerard Martin, who was included in Santi Denia’s last call-up, and Pablo Torre, who also remains in contention.