Jorge Cuenca called up to Spain squad for European U21 Championship knockout fixtures
The central defender will be on international duty after match vs UD Logroñés and will miss out vs Sporting de Gijón and probably the play-off semis
Unión Deportiva Almería central defender Jorge Cuenca has been called up to Spain U21 for the European Championship knockout fixtures in Hungary and Slovenia. The 21-year-old player, who competed in the group stage taking a leading role for his outstanding performance, will join the training camp once Matchday 41 is over and therefore, will be out of action in the last fixture of the season against Sporting de Gijón and also the semis as long as the Rojiblancos qualify for the play-offs for promotion to the top flight.
With regard to the last fixture of the 2020/21 campaign at El Molinón Stadium, Manu Garcia will not be named in the Sporting de Gijón XI as the opponent will also meet Cuenca and the rest of Spain U21 members.
The return of Jorge Cuenca will depend on the results of Spain U21 in the European tournament. The quarter-finals against Croatia are set for 31 May (Maribor, 18:00 CET) while the semi-finals have been scheduled for 3 June. If Spain U21 are knocked out of Europe, the centre-back will be available for UD Almeria the day after those dates. The play-off semi-finals for promotion to Primera Division will be taking place on 2-3 June and 5-6 June. The UEFA European Under-21 Championship final is on Sunday, 6 June (Ljubljana, 21:00 CET), so if Spain U21 made it, Cuenca would be back as of 7 June ready for the second tier play-off final that will be played on 13 June.