FC Barcelona will not release Jofre Torrents, Dro, Guille Fernández and Toni Fernández to travel to Brazil for the U20 Intercontinental Cup. Sources have confirmed to Blaugranagram that Hansi Flick wants to keep them available and is not willing to lose them for a full week ahead of first-team commitment.
The U20 Intercontinental Cup is set for August 23 at the Maracanã, where Juliano Belleti’s side will face Flamengo U20 as UEFA Youth League champions against the U20 Libertadores winners. According to SPORT, the Barça expedition plans to depart for Rio de Janeiro on Tuesday and return Sunday, with midweek training at Fluminense’s facilities.
Reason for Flick’s decision
Flick’s decision is linked to squad management during a delicate registration period for the first team, as well as an upcoming first-team fixture that coincides with the trip. Per SPORT, Flick prefers to have the four youngsters on hand throughout the week while the club works through pending registrations and squad availability.
What it means for Belletti’s side
Belletti won’t be able to call on four players who would have strengthened a best-available U20-eligible lineup. Even so, Barça’s youth team heads to Rio with momentum from last season’s UEFA Youth League triumph and preparation sessions set from Wednesday to Friday. The team will train at Fluminense’s complex before Saturday’s final at the Maracanã.
