International break freezes LaLiga and Champions League, threatens Barça

The dreaded "international break" has arrived, suspending LaLiga and the Champions League competition for several weeks to make way for international matches, a pause that confuses fans and puts clubs on alert.

The culés greatly fear this time gap because the risk of one of their stars returning injured is high. Historically, it is rare that all return fit.

Fatigue caused by endless trips, sometimes transoceanic, leaves its mark on footballers. Not only is there the danger of an injury; the change in training, nutrition and rest routines also affects players. Moreover, they must prove from one day to the next to their national team coaches that they deserve their country's shirt.

Schedule and travel

This edition of the break will be longer than usual. La Roja, with seven Barcelona players, will play four matches in London, Seville, Oviedo and Split, in Croatia.

The mileage record is held by Raphinha, who will cross half the world to play friendlies in Australia and India.

Other Barça footballers will also fly in the coming days: Gordon with England, Koundé with France, Adeyemi with Germany and Cancelo with Portugal. In addition, the youngsters Marc Bernal and Xavi Espart will take part with the Under‑21.

Risks and repercussions for Barça

Having more internationals in the squad is seen as a sign of higher quality, but it raises the risk that an important player returns "hurt" or broken. The wear this creates is especially noticeable in teams with a large number of call‑ups.

Barcelona entered the break like a motorcycle; upon returning, a demanding October and the first El Clásico of the season lie on the horizon. Let’s hope the "FIFA virus" is benevolent and the party continues.