What we learned from the international break as Barcelona lose Raphinha to injury
· Yahoo Sports
Another international break is over and Barcelona are now free to concentrate on the rest of the campaign as they continue to push for success in La Liga and the Champions League.
Here’s a look at what we learned from the latest round of international fixtures.
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FIFA virus strikes again
The FIFA virus struck Barcelona again during the international break, with Raphinha ruled out of five weeks after picking up a hamstring problem while playing for Brazil in a friendly against France. Xavi Espra
The news is a hammer blow to Barcelona and Hansi Flick, leaving the Catalan giants without one of their most important players at a key stage in the season.
Raphinha’s injury has also led many to ponder the wisdom of playing meaningless friendlies on the other side of the globe at a crucial stage in the schedule and during an already-packed schedule.
In the meantime, Raphinha’s absence has left the door open for Marcus Rashford to try and secure his future at Barcelona for next season.
The forward has some bright moments during England’s two friendlies and, at a time when Barca’s interest in signing him permanently appears to be cooling, he could now be set to play a key role for Barcelona.
Yamal rocked by anti-Muslim chants
Raphinha’s injury led to fears at Barcelona that Lamine Yamal could also pick up an injury during the international break, and the club hoping that Spain would use him sparingly.
That did not really prove to be the case. Yamal was the only Spain star to start both friendlies against Serbia and Egypt, although thankfully he was taken off at half-time of the game against the Pharoahs.
While Yamal may have been given a breather it still proved to be a difficult night for the teenager. The game was marred by deplorable anti-Muslim chants that Yamal condemned after the game in a strong statement.
Barcelona’s teenager has obviously been affected by the racist chanting and has been offered support by Catalonia’s minister for sports Berni Alvarez.
Spanish police are now investigating, with Alvarez promising to take action
“We have demanded a report about what can be done and what decisions will be taken now,” he told reporters. “We’re going to demand forceful action. There will be a way to identify those who started the chants.”
Curious debut for Joan Garcia
Joan Garcia received his first Spain call-up over the break but had to wait to make his debut. He wasn’t even included in the squad for the game against Serbia and then finally made his first appearance for La Roja in the second half of the game against Egypt.
The former Espanyol goalkeeper took to the pitch at the RCDE Stadium wearing the No. 18 shirt to the sound of jeers, with his debut also provoking a feisty exchange in the press room after the match.
A reporter asked De la Fuente if he had been mocking Espanyol by handing Garcia his debut at the home of his former club and clearly riled the Spain boss who did not even want to bother with an answer.
De la Fuente’s use of Garcia over the international break also suggests he’s got a way to go if he’s to start at the World Cup with Spain ahead of David Raya, Alex Remiro, and Unai Simón.
Heartbreak for Lewandowski, frustration for Roony
There were contrasting fortunes for Barcelona stars Robert Lewandowski and Roony Bardghji as Poland and Sweden met for the chance to secure a place at World Cup 2026.
Ulimately it ended in heartbreak for Poland and Lewandowski as Sweden won 3-2. The 37-year-old was left heartbroken after playing 90 minutes in both of Poland’s games and ending up with nothing to show for his efforts.
Meanwhile, Roony and Sweden can celebrate a place in the summer’s tournament although it’s not really been a good break for the Barcelona forward either.
He complained of a lack of game time with his club side while away with the national team but didn’t see a single minute for Graham Potter’s team in their two fixtures.
Araujo and Bastoni in the spotlight again
Ronald Araujo and Alessandro Bastoni both created plenty of headlines with their performances for Uruguay and Italy. The Barcelona defender was lucky to escape a red card for a challenge on Phil Foden against the Three Lions that left Thomas Tuchel furious.
The Uruguayan spoke about the incident afterwards, confirming he’d spoken with Foden about the tackle. “Things are often blown out of proportion, because it’s clear I was going for the ball. Everyone knows me and knows I’m not malicious,” he said, via Marca.
Meanwhile, Barcelona-target Bastoni had a nightmare against Bosnia and Herzegovina. His red card in their World Cup play-off proved costly as the Azzurri ended up crashing out and missing out on yet another World Cup finals.
The sending off brought plenty of criticism of the Inter defender but he could still end up lining up alongside Araujo at Barcelona next season if the Catalans do indeed go for him this summer.