Levante's Paco Cortés called up for Spain U19 duty ahead of Real Madrid clash
Young Levante forward Paco Cortés will miss training under Luís Castro as he joins Spain's U19s for a friendly against Italy before returning for the trip to the Bernabéu.
Levante youngster Paco Cortés is set for a hectic schedule as he juggles club commitments with international duty, leaving manager Luís Castro temporarily short of attacking options.
Spain U19 call-up
The talented Andalusian forward has been summoned to represent Spain’s U19s in their upcoming friendly against Italy. The match is scheduled for this Wednesday, January 14th at 2pm local time, taking place at the Italian Football Federation complex in Coverciano, Florence.
This call-up represents a return to the international fold for Cortés, who was notably absent from Paco Gallardo’s squad for the December fixtures against Australia U18 and Japan U18.
Timing headache for Levante
According to Levante’s official statement, the youngster’s schedule will be rather packed:
- Departs Monday to join the Spain U19 camp
- Plays against Italy on Wednesday afternoon
- Returns to Levante training on Thursday
- Travels with the squad to face Real Madrid on Saturday
This gives Castro precious little time to reintegrate the forward into his tactical plans before what promises to be an absolute Bobby Dazzler of a challenge at the Santiago Bernabéu on Saturday (January 17th, 2pm kickoff).
Euro qualification implications
This friendly represents the final warm-up match before Spain’s U19s enter the Second Phase of European Championship qualification. Those crucial fixtures will take place in Wales between June 28th and July 11th.
For both player and club, the international recognition is a testament to Cortés’ development, though the timing isn’t exactly ideal with such a massive fixture on the horizon.