Barcelona midfielder Marc Bernal has officially withdrawn from Spain’s U21 squad due to physical discomfort. The young talent, recently back from a long injury layoff, becomes the second Barcelona player to pull out of international duty this weekend, following Lamine Yamal.
Marc Bernal Withdraws from Spain U21 Duty
In an official announcement on Saturday, La Liga giants Barcelona confirmed that Marc Bernal will not feature in Spain’s U21 matches against Norway and Finland. The 18-year-old midfielder was a surprise inclusion in La Rojita’s squad earlier this week, considering his recent return from a serious ACL injury.
Bernal’s selection reportedly raised concerns within Barcelona, as the club preferred to manage his recovery carefully before exposing him to competitive international fixtures.
Barcelona Intervenes to Protect Young Star
According to Spanish media reports, Barcelona’s medical staff advised the Spanish Football Federation to reconsider Bernal’s inclusion. The club emphasized the need for a gradual return to full fitness, ensuring the player avoids setbacks after months of rehabilitation.
Following the discussions, Spain’s U21 team confirmed Bernal’s withdrawal and named Fer López of Wolves as his replacement for the October international window.
Official Statement from the Spanish National Team
The Spanish national team’s official social media channels posted the update, stating:
“Wolves player Fer López will join the Spanish U-21 team on Monday as they face Norway and Finland in the October window. Fer López replaces Marc Bernal, who is suffering from physical discomfort.”
This clarification puts an end to speculation surrounding Bernal’s participation and aligns with Barcelona’s cautious approach regarding player fitness.
Second Barcelona Player to Withdraw from Spain Duty
Marc Bernal’s exit follows that of Lamine Yamal, who also withdrew from Spain’s senior squad just a day earlier. The back-to-back absences highlight Barcelona’s growing focus on player health amid a demanding season both domestically and internationally.
What’s Next for Barcelona and Spain
Bernal will continue his recovery under Hansi Flick’s supervision at the Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper, aiming to regain full match fitness before returning to action for Barcelona. Spain’s U21 side, meanwhile, will proceed with their fixtures against Norway and Finland later this month.
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