Barcelona is dealing with fresh concerns over player fitness as the recent international break ends. The so-called ‘FIFA Virus’—a term often used to describe injuries sustained by players during national team duty—has once again affected the squad. According to reports from SPORT, Barcelona is relieved that no severe injuries have occurred, but they are keeping a close watch on two key players: Lamine Yamal and Robert Lewandowski.
Fitness Concerns for Yamal and Lewandowski
Lamine Yamal suffered a knock during Spain’s match against Denmark, which has raised concerns about his availability for Barcelona’s upcoming match against Sevilla. Yamal was expected to play a crucial role, but his injury could mean more caution from the club.
Robert Lewandowski, who played for Poland during the break, also picked up an injury. Though initially rested due to a minor knock, he came on as a substitute in Poland’s match against Croatia and sustained a heavy tackle. While Lewandowski signaled that he is okay, his fitness for the Sevilla game remains in question. Given Barcelona’s upcoming key fixtures against Bayern Munich and Real Madrid, managing his workload will be essential.
Other Players Affected
Jules Kounde played the full 90 minutes in both of France’s matches against Israel and Belgium. With Kounde clocking up significant minutes, the club may have to monitor his condition closely to avoid potential burnout.
Other Barcelona players, like Pablo Torre, Marc Casado, and Hector Fort, were also involved in international duty, participating in the U21 and U19 squads. Despite their impressive performances, the physical demands of international play mean that the coaching staff will need to carefully manage the squad’s fitness in preparation for the upcoming critical run of fixtures.
With fitness concerns surrounding several players, Barcelona faces a delicate balancing act as they return to club competition following the international break.
