After winning the Spanish Supercopa in Jeddah against Real Madrid, FC Barcelona must now turn their attention to the Copa del Rey round-of-16 tie away to Racing Santander, to be played on Thursday.
The Blaugrana will go into the game without Gavi and Andreas Christensen, through injury, while Frenkie de Jong will also miss the match due to suspension after his red card vs Real Madrid on Sunday.
But there is some positive news regarding the availability of one of the younger members of the squad after it seemed like he would miss the match.
Dro available to face Racing Santander
Indeed, according to Mundo Deportivo, Spain’s Under-18 national team have released Barcelona gem Pedro ‘Dro’ Fernandez, allowing him to be available for the match against Racing Santander.
As reported last week, Dro was named in the Spain squad to face the Italian Under-18 side on 14 January at 11:00 am in Las Rozas. It would make his availability for the cup tie a day later impossible.
Dro Fernandez of FC Barcelona
Dro will be available to face Racing Santander. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)
However, Spain U-18 manager David Tenorio has opted to release Dro, with Osasuna’s Asier Bonel taking his place in the squad.
Dro, who did not play any minutes in the final against Real Madrid, will hope to get some action on Thursday when Barcelona face Racing Santander.
No Jofre Torrents
Meanwhile, Barcelona left-back Jofre Torrents remains called up with the Spain Under-19 side and, in principle, will miss the game at El Sardinero.
In total, nine Barça players had been called up between the two youth national teams.
For the Italy vs Spain Under-19 friendly, which will be played at the Italian FA’s training complex in Coverciano on the 14th, coach Paco Gallardo has selected Andres Cuenca, Jofre Torrents, and Quim Junyent.
Meanwhile, Under-18 coach Tenorio had called up six Barça players. That list has now been reduced to five following Dro’s release. The remaining Barça players are Alex Campos, Pedro Rodriguez, Pedro Villar, Guille Fernandez, and forward Toni Fernandez.