Barcelona worried about German duo’s fitness following international break – report

Barcelona and international breaks do not share the best of histories. It has become a norm for the Catalans to come out of every international hiatus with some players injured, and the theme has continued in the ongoing break.

Xavi Hernandez’s side had twelve players called up for National duty. While Lamine Yamal quickly returned to Barcelona after confirmation of his injury, his compatriot Alejandro Balde is the latest addition to the injury list.

Worry over the German camp

Two Catalan stars are currently on duty with the German National Team – Ilkay Gundogan and Marc Andre Ter-Stegen. As the hosts of the upcoming EUROs, however, they have secured automatic qualification and are currently playing friendly fixtures.

Julian Nagelsmann’s side are going through a rocky patch having won just one of their last six games, losing four in the process. Their hunt for form has thus taken them to the United States of America.

The team will play later tonight against the USMNT and take on the Mexican National Team on Tuesday night.

The hectic schedule worries Barcelona, according to reports from Mundo Deportivo, for the Catalans can afford no more injuries heading into the next phase of the season.

After all, Xavi’s side face Athletic Club late on Sunday night, and Real Madrid in a fortnight, and the Germans must make the long trip from America.

Araujo in a similar position

Ronald Araujo is the third Blaugrana star who has had to travel to South America for the international break. As a Uruguayan National, however, he is used to such long journeys, the report adds.

Araujo played 90 minutes in his team’s 2-2 draw to Colombia earlier this week and will take on Brazil late on Tuesday night. As the game serves as a qualifier for the World Cup, Araujo is expected to play the entire game against the Selecao.