Barcelona fear international break injuries as Flick waits on Raphinha, De Jong and Yamal

Barcelona are facing an anxious wait during the final international break of 2026, with the club hoping to avoid another round of injuries affecting their key players.

The Catalan side have experienced repeated problems when players have returned from national-team duty in recent seasons. According to Spanish newspaper Marca, Barcelona are monitoring their internationals closely after previous breaks left several important players sidelined for lengthy periods or unable to perform at their best during decisive stages of the campaign.

Raphinha is the main source of concern. The Brazil forward has suffered an injury during each of the last three international breaks in which he represented his country.

His problems began during the final international break of the 2025-26 season, when an injury affected his performances during the closing weeks of the campaign. His fitness was then disrupted again during the World Cup before he suffered another setback during the most recent international window.

Barcelona’s coaching staff have warned Raphinha to avoid taking unnecessary risks, particularly because Brazil’s upcoming matches are friendlies and do not justify jeopardising his fitness.

Raphinha appears to understand the situation. He has already spoken to Italy manager Carlo Ancelotti about managing his playing time because he has not yet completed his recovery.

Speaking at an event to renew his Barcelona contract last week, Raphinha said: “Ancelotti knows that he has to manage my minutes. It would also be difficult for the national team if I got injured. We have spoken, and he knows that I am recovering from my latest injury.

“I feel good, but I have not regained 100% of my fitness. Barcelona fans do not need to worry; I am taking good care of myself.”

De Jong and Yamal concerns

Barcelona’s concerns also include Frenkie de Jong, whose previous experience with the Netherlands remains fresh in the club’s memory. The midfielder returned from the World Cup with a serious knee injury which kept him out for almost four months.

De Jong was criticised at the time for not receiving enough rest during the tournament in the United States. His return to Barcelona for the necessary medical examinations was also delayed, before the seriousness and consequences of the injury became clear.

The Netherlands international returned to action a few days ago and produced encouraging performances. He was also one of the main players in Sunday’s match against Atletico Madrid, but Barcelona manager Hansi Flick will not want to lose him to another injury.

The club have taken a cautious approach with Lamine Yamal after he was withdrawn from Spain’s match against Czech Republic because of knee pain.

Yamal is expected to spend several days in Barcelona recovering and being assessed. Barcelona hope his condition improves enough for him to return for Spain’s next match against England.

With Raphinha’s injury history, De Jong’s lengthy absence and the uncertainty surrounding Yamal, Barcelona are hoping the international break ends without further damage to Flick’s plans for the weeks ahead.