Barcelona has started the season very brightly as the club sits just 2 points behind Real Madrid. The Blaugrana have not lost a single game in the league this season and have impressed everyone. Robert Lewandowski has scored goals for fun and settled in very quickly at the Spotify Camp Nou.
However, the International break has intervened as usual and it has brought some worrying news for the club. Three players have suffered injuries on International duty and it will be a concern for the manager, Xavi Hernandez. Jules Kounde, Ousmane Dembele, and Memphis Depay have taken the blows while playing in the UEFA Nations League.
The two French internationals are a part of the core group of players that Xavi uses. Memphis Depay has been ruled out of the Nations League fixture against Belgium but is expected to be back soon. Meanwhile, Ousmane Dembele is expected to play the remaining fixtures for France as the injury is a minor one.
However, the major concern comes in relation to Jules Kounde. The French defender is considered to have suffered a torn hamstring and could be ruled out for a long period of time. Xavi Hernandez will be devastated with this news as the defender is a crucial part of his set-up and the squad will miss him.
Barcelona have depth but Xavi has a set core group of players
The Blaugrana have spent well this summer and signed top players in crucial positions. However, the manager is used to employing a core group of players in his matches and Jules Kounde is a part of it. Even though there is quality on the bench in the form of Andreas Christensen and Eric Garcia, the French defender will be a big miss.
Manager, Xavi Hernandez will be hoping that no other player sustains any injuries on International duty in the remaining matches. Robert Lewandowski, Ousmane Dembele, Pedri, Gavi, and Frenkie De Jong all are expected to play in their respective Nations League matches. Barcelona would want the players to come out of the break without any injuries.
A tough run of games is going to follow the international break with a packed schedule. In such a scenario the club will want all the players to be fit and available for selection. Xavi Hernandez will hope that the squad is fit and healthy as UEFA Champions League group games will come thick and fast. The Group Stages are set to be completed before the start of FIFA World Cup 2022!!
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