Spain U21 Boss Leaves Barcelona Prospect Marc Bernal Out Over Lack of Minutes

Overview

• Spain Under-21 manager David Gordo confirmed Bernal’s omission, saying the midfielder is getting very little playing time and is not in a comfortable situation.
• Gordo said the squad was chosen to secure six points in this window, selecting players ready to contribute immediately in European Championship qualifiers.
• Since returning nearly two months ago, Bernal has made only four brief substitute appearances for Barcelona, each under 12 minutes and averaging under ten.
• Barcelona have been reintegrating the teenager cautiously after knee surgery, which has limited his involvement under Hansi Flick.
• Bernal was called to the previous U21 squad but did not feature, and Spanish reports suggest his club minutes could increase from January, which remains speculative.