The second international break of the 2023/24 season is underway now, with club football going on a hiatus for the next couple of weeks as players fly away to represent their national teams.
The international break had been a bit of a curse for Barcelona during the last season as they saw a number of their stars pick up injuries while away on national team duty.
12 players called up
And, they will be hoping that such an occurrence does not happen this time out, given that as many as 12 players will be away from the club, playing for their respective national teams.
Spain have the highest number of representatives from Barcelona, with four players – Gavi, Alejandro Balde, Ferran Torres, and Lamine Yamal, making Luis de la Fuente’s squad list for the UEFA Euro 2024 Qualifiers against Scotland and Norway.
Yamal did suffer some discomfort last night during Barça’s 2-2 draw against Granada and it remains to be seen if that affects his Spain call-up.
Meanwhile, Fermin Lopez will be away playing for Spain’s Under-21 national team who face Uzbekistan (friendly) and Kazakhstan (UEFA U-21 Euro qualifiers).
Marc-Andre ter Stegen and Ilkay Gundogan will be representing Germany in what will be the first couple of games in charge under new manager Julian Nagelsmann. Die Mannschaft will be playing two friendly encounters against the USMNT and Mexico.
The two deadline day arrivals – Joao Felix and Joao Cancelo – will be a part of the Portugal national team that is scheduled to face Slovakia and Bosnia in the UEFA Euro 2024 Qualifiers.
Jules Kounde has been called up to the France roster for their games against the Netherlands (Euro Qualifier) and Scotland (friendly). However, his injury last night against Granada could lead to him being withdrawn from the squad.
Kounde’s centre-back partner, Andreas Christensen will be playing for Denmark who will be facing Kazakhstan and San Marino in the Euro qualifiers.
Finally, Ronald Araujo will be away with Uruguay, after missing out during last month’s international break due to injury. La Celeste will be taking on Colombia and Brazil in the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifying matches.
Who miss out?
Robert Lewandowski and Raphinha had been called up by Poland and Brazil, respectively, but will not be travelling after picking up injuries.
Pedri and Frenkie de Jong were not included by Spain and Netherlands, respectively, as they have been out injured.
Meanwhile, the likes of Marcos Alonso, Inigo Martinez, Sergi Roberto, Inaki Pena, and Oriol Romeu also do not have international commitments and will continue to train under Xavi.
