The international break has once again struck FC Barcelona, and not in a good way. After the round of national team fixtures, the Catalan side returns with a locker room full of fitness concerns and a demanding schedule ahead. Two of their stars, Robert Lewandowski and Dani Olmo, have been ruled out with injuries, while Ferran Torres raised alarms after returning with discomfort. Adding to that, key players like Pedri González and Frenkie de Jong logged heavy minutes with their national teams.

A break that comes with a heavy bill

The so-called “FIFA virus” hit hard. Dani Olmo didn’t even get to play a single minute for Spain due to a soleus injury that will sideline him for several weeks. Lewandowski, meanwhile, featured for Poland and even scored against Lithuania, but finished the match with an injury that will also keep him out. Ferran Torres was examined at the Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper, and although the medical report ruled out a serious issue, he remains under close observation.

Meanwhile, physical fatigue has become a silent threat. Andreas Christensen was the most used Barça player during the break, playing the full 180 minutes for Denmark. He was followed by De Jong with 157 minutes for the Netherlands and Pedri with 142 for Spain. In total, more than half of Barcelona’s starting XI returned with worrying fatigue levels, just before a crucial run of matches in LaLiga and the Champions League.

Flick makes adjustments and looks for oxygen

Head coach Hansi Flick is working against the clock to rebuild his squad. De Jong, Christensen, and Roony Bardghji have already rejoined training this week, while Pedri and Pau Cubarsí are expected to return soon. In addition, English forward Marcus Rashford, newly integrated into the squad, could make his first appearance under the German manager.

There is some good news, though: Lamine Yamal and Fermín López are both fully recovered from their injuries. The young winger has overcome a pubalgia issue that sidelined him since the match against PSG, while Fermín has completed his recovery from a muscle injury. In contrast, Raphinha remains out of the group and his return is not imminent.

Barcelona will resume training on Thursday and Friday at Montjuïc, where they will host Girona on Saturday (4:15 p.m. CET). With Lewandowski and Olmo unavailable, Flick will have to reinvent his attack. The international break didn’t just leave physical scars — it also tested the depth of a squad that, once again, must find a way to survive with what it has left.