Forced to miss the year's biggest ceremony. Barcelona star will not travel to the Ballon d'Or

Nineteen-year-old Barcelona center-back Pau Cubarsí will not travel to London for tonight's Ballon d'Or ceremony, despite being included among the nominees.

Details: According to respected Spanish radio station COPE, the young footballer is being forced to miss the prestigious gala on the club doctors' strong recommendation. It has emerged that the defender finished yesterday's high-stakes clash with Real Madrid in El Clásico with a high fever, meaning he now needs complete rest and time to regain his strength.

The coaching staff and the club's management have chosen to protect the health of one of their key defensive players amid a demanding competitive schedule. Instead of enduring a tiring flight to the British capital, Cubarsí will spend the coming days at home with his family, rebuilding his fitness ahead of Barcelona's next La Liga and Champions League fixtures.

It is worth noting that La Masia academy graduate Pau Cubarsí has rapidly established himself as an undisputed leader of the Barcelona and Spain national team defenses. His flawless positional awareness, composure in duels and outstanding ability to play out from the back have propelled the 19-year-old center-back into the elite of world football and made him a contender for the season's prestigious individual awards.

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