Following their impressive 4–2 win over Celta Vigo, Barcelona enter the international break just three points behind Real Madrid in the La Liga standings. But while the victory at Balaídos has reignited hopes in Catalonia, manager Hansi Flick will once again be forced to deal with a major squad exodus as 12 Barcelona players head off for international duty.
The Barcelona international break comes at a crucial point in the season. With momentum building and fixtures piling up, Flick will have to manage training sessions with a thin squad, relying mainly on reserve and academy players until the internationals return. The German coach is not expected to have his full squad back until Tuesday, November 18, only four days before their next La Liga clash against Athletic Club.
Spain Call-Ups: Lamine Yamal, Cubarsí, Fermín, Olmo, and Ferran Torres
Spain coach Luis de la Fuente has once again turned to Barcelona talent for his squad. With Pedri and Gavi still recovering from injuries, Lamine Yamal, Pau Cubarsí, Fermín López, Dani Olmo, and Ferran Torres have all been called up.
Spain will play Georgia in Tbilisi on Saturday, November 15, followed by a home clash against Turkey in Seville on Tuesday, November 18. Victory in these fixtures could secure Spain’s qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. For Flick, it means that several of his most consistent attacking players will be unavailable for nearly two weeks during the Barcelona international break.
Poland: Robert Lewandowski Returns to Action
After missing the previous international break due to injury, Robert Lewandowski returns to the Poland national team. The veteran striker has shown signs of his old form in recent matches, netting a hat-trick against Celta Vigo.
Poland face the Netherlands on Friday, November 14, before traveling to Malta on Monday, November 17. These matches are key for their World Cup qualification hopes, and Barcelona fans will be hoping Lewandowski returns without aggravating any fitness concerns.
Netherlands: Frenkie de Jong Faces Lewandowski Showdown
Midfielder Frenkie de Jong will represent the Netherlands, setting up a friendly reunion with his Barcelona teammate Lewandowski when their sides meet in Poland. De Jong remains a vital part of Ronald Koeman’s setup and will also feature in the match against Lithuania three days later.
De Jong’s performance and fitness will be closely monitored, especially as Barcelona continue to face depth issues in midfield. His role during the Barcelona international break will be key to both country and club.
England: Rashford Keeps His Place Under Tuchel
New Barcelona signing Marcus Rashford has maintained his spot in the England squad under Thomas Tuchel. The winger will play against Serbia at Wembley on Thursday, November 13, before traveling to Albania on Sunday, November 16.
Rashford’s pace and form have impressed at club level, and England will look to him for attacking spark. However, his participation adds to Flick’s growing list of absentees during this Barcelona international break.
France: Jules Koundé Back Despite Injury Concerns
Despite missing the Celta Vigo match due to a knock, Jules Koundé has been called up by Didier Deschamps for France’s fixtures against Ukraine and Azerbaijan. Both matches will test his recovery, but his inclusion suggests the defender’s injury is not serious. Flick, however, will remain cautious as he manages defensive rotations following the Barcelona international break.
Sweden and Denmark: Roony and Christensen Join Up
Young winger Roony Bardghji has been named in Sweden’s squad for matches against Switzerland and Estonia, while center-back Andreas Christensen will represent Denmark in games against Belarus and Scotland. Christensen only recently returned from illness, and Flick will hope he avoids any setbacks abroad.
Uruguay: Araujo Expected to Be Called Up
Finally, Ronald Araujo is expected to feature for Uruguay, though the official squad list from coach Marcelo Bielsa is yet to be confirmed. If called up, the defender will join matches against Mexico and the United States. Should he be rested, it would slightly reduce Barcelona’s total number of international call-ups to 11.
Flick’s Challenge Ahead of Athletic Club Clash
For Hansi Flick, the Barcelona international break presents both relief and risk. It offers a chance for his players to gain confidence and rhythm with their national teams but also poses the threat of injuries or fatigue. With only a handful of players remaining at the Ciutat Esportiva, Flick will use the downtime to fine-tune tactical details and assess younger players from Barça Atlètic.
When his stars return on November 18, focus will immediately shift to Athletic Club, where Barcelona will aim to continue their pursuit of Real Madrid in the La Liga title race.
