The current injury situation at FC Barcelona remains a major concern for Hansi Flick and his staff. Several key players are still sidelined, and their absences have clearly affected the team’s recent performances.
Fortunately for the Blaugrana, the international break has arrived at the perfect moment, giving the team a much-needed chance to recharge both mentally and physically while allowing several injured players time to recover.
According to SPORT, the likes of Lamine Yamal, Raphinha, and Fermin Lopez are all expected to return to action shortly after the international break.
Lamine Yamal of FC Barcelona celebrates his teams second goal scored by Robert Lewandowski of FC Barcelona (not pictured) during the LaLiga EA Sports match between FC Barcelona and Real Sociedad at Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys.
Photo by Judit Cartiel/Getty Images
Lamine Yamal has been struggling with recurring pubic discomfort that initially worsened during Spain’s international camp earlier this season. After recovering from the issue, he suffered a relapse following the defeat against PSG.
However, the young winger is now close to recovering from this issue. He could get some minutes against Girona in Barça’s first match after the break, gradually building up rhythm to be 100% ready for the crucial La Liga game against Real Madrid.
Raphinha of FC Barcelona runs with the ball as he is closed down by Rahim Alhassane of Real Oviedo during the LaLiga EA Sports match between Real Oviedo and FC Barcelona at Carlos Tartiere.
Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images
Raphinha also looks set for a return soon. The Brazilian winger suffered a right hamstring injury at the end of September, with an estimated recovery time of three weeks. If all goes to plan, he should be cleared to play against Girona and fully reintegrated into the squad by the end of October.
Fermin Lopez, who picked up a muscular injury to his left leg’s iliopsoas at the end of September, is following a similar timeline. The midfielder from El Campillo is expected to rejoin the team right after the break, potentially featuring in the Catalan derby.
Joan Garcia is presented to the fans prior to the Joan Gamper Trophy match between FC Barcelona and Como1907 at Estadi Johan Cruyff.
Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images
In goal, Joan Garcia is continuing his recovery following surgery to repair a torn inner meniscus in his right knee suffered during the match against Oviedo. His goal is to return in time for El Clásico at the Santiago Bernabeu, a crucial comeback given his importance to the team in recent months.
Marc-Andre ter Stegen, meanwhile, continues to recover from a second lower back surgery performed in late July. The operation came after lengthy discussions between the player and the club, ultimately allowing Barcelona to declare a four-month injury layoff and temporarily register Joan Garcia in his place. The German goalkeeper is expected to receive medical clearance by late November or early December.
Barcelona midfielder Gavi poses in bed after surgery with teammates Pedri, Lamine Yamal and Ronald Araujo standing around him.
Photo Courtesy: Gavi’s official Instagram account
As for Gavi, his recovery will take the longest. After an unsuccessful attempt at conservative treatment, the midfielder underwent an arthroscopy to repair a tear in his inner meniscus at the end of September.
The procedure, which involved suturing to preserve the meniscus, requires a recovery period of four to five months, meaning Gavi could be back between January and February.
Overall, the international break has arrived at a crucial moment for Barcelona. With several key players close to returning, Flick’s squad could soon regain the depth and rhythm needed to navigate a challenging run of fixtures, culminating in the season’s first El Clásico.