Barcelona ready to rotate after international break as Hamza Abdulkarim comes into focus

Hansi Flick is preparing to make changes to his Barcelona team after the international break as a demanding run of fixtures increases the need for a fully fit squad.

According to Catalan newspaper Sport, the German manager believes major honours will not be won by relying on the same starting 11, but by maintaining a competitive level across the entire squad. His message to the Barcelona dressing room has been clear: use the break to recharge, return fully focused and be ready to play because rotation is coming.

Players who remained at the club’s training centre were given nine days of complete rest, but their programme did not end there. The coaching staff set individual work plans to ensure they retained the same freshness and physical readiness as team-mates who had been involved in demanding international matches.

The extended break was unusual, and fitness coach Benjamin Kugel and his staff wanted to prevent those players from feeling they had spent too long without collective training. Their preparations have been shaped by the crowded schedule ahead, with Barcelona expected to play twice a week.

Among the most difficult fixtures are European away matches against Paris Saint-Germain at Parc des Princes and Galatasaray in Turkey. Those challenges will come alongside the eagerly anticipated meeting with Real Madrid in the Clasico on 25 October.

Opportunities for the squad

Several players have had limited involvement during the opening part of the season. Gabriel Jesus, Hamza Abdulkarim and Brian Farinas have not started any of Barcelona’s eight competitive matches, while Alejandro Balde and Gavi have played fewer minutes than in previous seasons, when they were important members of Flick’s plans.

Flick wants every member of the squad to be 100% ready when called upon. Gabriel Jesus has made a number of substitute appearances and scored twice, and Sport reports he is expected to be included in the squad after the break.

Brian Farinas’ situation is distinctive. He was regularly left out of the squad at the start of the campaign, but Flick personally blocked a move to Girona during the summer transfer window because of his belief in the player’s ability. The manager assured him that his opportunity would come sooner rather than later, particularly with many players returning tired from international duty.

Raphinha injury increases concern

Barcelona’s staff were aware that the international break carried risks, including excessive physical workloads and long-distance travel. Their concerns were realised when Raphinha returned injured after playing for Brazil.

With the match against Getafe approaching, Flick may choose not to risk the Brazilian. His potential absence could open the door to a starting place for Gabriel Jesus or Hamza Abdulkarim.

There are also concerns over fatigue among the wide players, with Lamine Yamal and Anthony Gordon having endured heavy workloads for their national teams. In defence, Cubarsi, Cancelo and Xavi Espart have also played significant numbers of minutes.

Eric Garcia returned early after reporting slight discomfort, and Barcelona must now decide whether to manage his condition cautiously as well.