The Barcelona players on international duty and how to watch - September 2023 | OneFootball

Defending your title is always a tough ask - well, unless you're Manchester City - and it looks like Barcelona are in for a slog of a season.

Typically, international breaks are met with indifference and hostility by clubs, but this time off could perhaps do Xavi Hernandez some good. It feels like so much has happened in such a short space of time.

La Blaugrana have nonetheless collected ten points from a possible 12 to start their title defence and supporters can now put their feet up for a brief period while the September internationals ensue. Here's how you can catch the Barca boys in action over the next week.

Barcelona's internationals - September 2023

Barcelona supporters across the globe will fixate their attentions on new budding star Lamine Yamal for the next week after the 16-year-old earned his first Spain call-up.

The dynamic teenage winger will become the youngest to ever represent La Roja should he earn his first cap this month, breaking Gavi's record. Gavi and Alejandro Balde will both be involved for Luis de la Fuente's side in their two upcoming Euro 2024 qualifiers, but the injured Pedri misses out.

Barca also have multiple internationals representing both Germany and Portugal, although just a few days ago they didn't have anybody representing the latter. The club then secured deals for Joao Cancelo and Joao Felix, who have both been selected for Portugal's upcoming games.

Raphinha initially wasn't included in Fernando Diniz's Brazil squad for the start of their 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign, but Vinicius Junior's injury opened the door for the former Leeds winger to return.

Going back to Europe, both Robert Lewandowski's Poland and Frenkie de Jong's Netherlands have some work to do if they're to qualify for next summer's Euros. Fortunately for the nations, both have a pair of games they'll be expected to win this month which should see their standing in their respective groups improve pretty drastically.

How to watch Barcelona's Spain internationals on TV and live stream

Yamal trains ahead of Spain's Euro 2024 qualifiers / PIERRE-PHILIPPE MARCOU/GettyImages

How to watch Barcelona's Germany internationals on TV and live stream

Barca's two German internationals / ANP/GettyImages

Manuel Neuer's excellence meant Marc-Andre ter Stegen rarely featured for Die Mannschaft, much to his dismay, but the Bayern icon's long-term injury has thrust him into a starting role. The Barcelona shot-stopper will join new teammate Ilkay Gundogan on international duty this month.

Gundogan skippers Hansi Flick's side, whose automatic qualification into Euro 2024 means they're only playing friendlies up until the tournament gets underway next summer.

How to watch Barcelona's Portugal internationals on TV and live stream

The Two Joaos / Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/GettyImages

How to watch Barcelona's Denmark internationals on TV and live stream

Andreas Christensen will be hoping for a fairly relaxed week as Denmark take on San Marino and Finland.

The Danes have been excellent qualifiers as of late, but they've got some work to do if they're to progress into Euro 2024. Finland currently sit atop Group H with nine points from four games, while Denmark are two points adrift in third. Thus, their upcoming duel will be pretty decisive in shaping the top of the group.

How to watch Barcelona's Netherlands internationals on TV and live stream

How to watch Barcelona's Poland internationals on TV and live stream

How to watch Barcelona's France internationals on TV and live stream

Fashion icon Jules Kounde has stiff competition for places in France's backline with Axel Disasi, Lucas Hernandez, Ibrahima Konaté, William Saliba and Dayot Upamecano all fighting for minutes at centre-back this month.

Thus, it's likely Kounde will once again be used at right-back by Didier Deschamps as Benjamin Pavard is the only other recognisable player in the squad at that position. The former Sevilla star has previously voiced his displeasure about playing at full-back for Barcelona.

How to watch Barcelona's Brazil internationals on TV and live stream