Barcelona concerned about possible fatigue and injuries to key players while on national team duty | OneFootball

According to a report from Alex Pintanel, it has come to light that Barcelona will be keeping a close watch on their players during the international break, as concerns grow over fatigue and potential injuries.

This is because if history is anything to go by, Spain coach Luis de la Fuente will have no intention of holding back, as he aims to field his strongest squad in a bid to secure a place in the Nations League semi-final.

As such, among those expected to play a major role for Spain are Pedri, Lamine Yamal, and Pau Cubarsi. Their involvement has left Barcelona worried, as the club is already dealing with injury concerns at a crucial point in the season.

Two players have withdrawn

The squad includes five Barcelona players, but two key names—Inigo Martinez and Marc Casado—were forced to withdraw due to injuries.

Their absence has only heightened fears within the club, as it comes just ahead of a high-risk international break where players could return fatigued or injured.

Cubarsi, Yamal and Pedri are expected to start for Spain. (Photo by Eric Alonso/Getty Images)

Meanwhile, although Cubarsi is not yet a regular starter for Spain, the current lack of defensive options could see him earn a place in the starting XI.

His increased involvement would be an added concern for Barcelona, given his age and the physical demands of top-level football.

What about the rest?

Dani Olmo is another key player in De la Fuente’s squad, but he is heading into the break relatively rested, having played 1,380 minutes so far this season. However, his history of muscular injuries in recent months makes him a risk factor.

Furthermore, Ferran Torres, who has been extremely clinical this season, remains part of the squad despite not being a regular starter under Hansi Flick.

It is expected that Flick will keep a close eye on the situation, fully aware that their players often return from international duty with little to no rest.

And this is because Barcelona still remember past instances where Pedri, Fermin Lopez, and Gavi returned from international breaks physically drained or injured, and they are hoping to avoid a similar scenario this time around.