Concern at Barça: the international break brings a new headache

The Spanish National Team will play two key matches during this FIFA date. The team led by Luis de la Fuente will fight for a spot in the Final Four of the Nations League in a two-legged tie against the Netherlands, aiming to defend the title won in 2023. Therefore, the coach will not take any risks and will field his best players against the 'Oranje', and although he is aware of the physical strain on his players, he will not speculate on the distribution of minutes.

This is a scenario that the FC Barcelona is familiar with, and it has heightened concerns within the institution, as the club has five players called up and two more dropped out at the last minute. Iñigo Martínez and Marc Casadó have suffered physical setbacks that have forced them into the culé infirmary just before the decisive stretch of the season, which is why the alert status in the Catalan capital is at its highest.

Two of Spain's pillars are culés

Several Barça players form the backbone of La Roja, with Pedri and Lamine Yamal being two of these pillars. Both players are expected to start against the 'Orange Machine' (March 20 in Rotterdam and March 23 in Valencia) despite having undergone significant physical strain in recent weeks. The Canary Islander has accumulated 3,291 minutes with the club and has only missed one match this season (42), while the academy player has a total of 3,092 to his name.

Pau Cubarsí, on the other hand, does not fall into the indisputable category of De la Fuente, but due to numerous defensive absences, he also has a good chance of being a starter. The center-back, crucial for Hansi Flick, has logged 3,195 minutes this season, and following the recent physical issues of Iñigo Martínez and the practically unnoticed absence of Andreas Christensen this season, it is essential to keep him healthy.

Dani Olmo, another key player for the Spanish coach, arrives more rested, although he has accumulated five consecutive starts before this break. The Egarense has a total of 1,380 minutes this season, but his history of muscular problems in recent months keeps the Catalans on edge. Finally, Ferran Torres (1,127'), despite having a secondary role in Flick's scheme, retains the confidence of the coach.

📊 Minutes played by Barça players called up by Spain:

1. Pedri González: 3,291 minutes (42 matches)
2. Pau Cubarsí: 3,195 minutes (42 matches)
3. Lamine Yamal: 3,092 (38 matches)
4. Dani Olmo: 1,380 minutes (27 matches)
5. Ferran Torres: 1,127 (32 matches)

Thus, Hansi Flick and his coaching staff will watch with concern from afar the developments of this FIFA date, as the data indicates that their players do not rest much when they go with Spain. The Catalans, however, trust that De la Fuente will manage his tools in the best possible way and secure a spot in the Final Four without compromising the physical condition of the players. Not only those from Barça, as all clubs that have loaned members of their squads are also at risk of suffering a significant loss at a crucial moment in the season.