Not more than two weeks into the new season, the prospect of international football has already crept in, with club football set for a two-week-long hiatus.
All eyes will be on Spain as they look to kickstart their UEFA Nations League campaign, after a successful summer that saw them lift the European Championship.
At the same time, Spain’s U21 will also be in focus, having secured a gold medal in the Paris Olympics.
Santi Denia on Cubarsi, Fermin
Spain’s U21 coach Santi Denia has recently announced his final squad for the upcoming UEFA Euro U21 qualification games against Scotland and Hungary respectively.
Barcelona players Fermin Lopez and Pau Cubarsi, who were an essential part of the Olympic campaign, have both been called up.
Talking about the two, Denia pointed out that he has spoken to Fermin, who hasn’t had much of a summer break.
“It was a normal conversation. He is available, playing with Barcelona and eager to continue helping us. We are grateful that he is giving us a hand. He will be called up again by Luis de la Fuente, but now he is with us,” he said.
The Spaniard could not hold back his appreciation for the two Barcelona youngsters, stating, “Fermín is a European and Olympic champion. Cubarsi is an Olympic champion and has been on the pre-list for the senior team.”
“They are two important players and everything has been agreed with the senior team and with them,” he added.
Santi Denia on Marc Bernal’s injury
Another player who would have surely made Spain’s U21 squad was Marc Bernal.
The 17-year-old midfielder enjoyed a tremendous start to the new season, but his progress was marred by an unfortunate ACL injury, which has ruled him out for the season.
Talking about Bernal’s unfortunate injury, Denia said, “We know him from the under-17s. We have been following him. We wish him a very good recovery because it is a shame, but we will wait for him at the Federation.”
Source: Mundo Deportivo
