Barcelona have been hit yet again by the so-called “FIFA Virus”, injuries suffered during international breaks, putting the club under fresh strain ahead of upcoming fixtures.
The latest setback saw Robert Lewandowski, Dani Olmo, and Ferran Torres collecting fitness issues while on national duty. Lewandowski is now sidelined for a month with a hamstring tear. Olmo withdrew from Spain duty due to a calf problem, while Torres also pulled out with a muscle injury.
Barça’s woes extend beyond just the international window: starlet Lamine Yamal returned from Spain duty injured, and the club has several other players, including Gavi, Marc-André ter Stegen, Joan García, and Raphinha, already sidelined. Manager Hansi Flick will face Real Madrid on October 26 without some of his first-choice options.
This trend isn’t unique to Barcelona. Rivals such as Real Madrid have also been affected, with Kylian Mbappé aggravating an ankle injury while on France duty.