Leeds United striker Mateo Joseph was a surprise omission from Spain’s U21s squad to face Malta.
Joseph was not even on the bench for Spain’s final qualifying match for next summer’s European Championships as his teammates romped to a comfortable win.
Having netted a hattrick in his first Spain U21s start against Kazakhstan, Joseph had certainly been expected to make the bench at the very least.
His replacement Samu Omorodion certainly wasted no time in showing why he is Spain U21s’ first choice striker, though, netting four goals in an impressive first half display.
However, Leeds‘ concern certainly won’t be that, but more so the fact they are back in Championship action at Elland Road on Friday, which you would expect Joseph to start.
Why Leeds star Joseph missed Spain U21s match
Given Leeds’ injury record over the last few weeks and months, fans could be forgiven for fearing the worst when it comes to Joseph.
After the March international break last season, Leeds lost Wilfried Gnonto, Ilia Gruev and Connor Roberts all to injury, which ultimately proved costly in their promotion push.
More recently, Max Wober picked up a knee injury for Austria in September, which he has been forced to undergo surgery on.
However, according to the Yorkshire Evening Post, Joseph’s omission from Spain’s squad this afternoon does not appear to be injury related.
It is said that Joseph was part of Spain’s final team training session on Monday and conducted media duties afterwards ahead of the game against Malta, with the most likely reason for him missing out is load management.
Joseph has started eight of Leeds’ nine matches in the Championship, as well as featuring in all of Spain U21s’ games this term.
Given this is his first proper year of senior football, it makes sense to hand him a rest, particularly with another game to come on Friday night.
Daniel Farke will be relieved at Joseph usage
It would not be a surprise if Farke expressed his discontent at the scheduling of Leeds’ fixture against Sheffield United in his press conference tomorrow.
As such, it is no surprise Farke handed all of Leeds’ non-internationals the full week off after Sunderland so at least some will be entering the game fresh.
Joseph was one of six Leeds players due to be in action for their respective countries today, alongside Ao Tanaka, Wilfried Gnonto, Junior Firpo, Charlie Crew and Brenden Aaronson.
However, Spain look as though they have actually been careful with Joseph, which will be of huge relief to Farke, and could tempt him to starting the Spaniard against the Blades.
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