Flick gives Barcelona players five-day break ahead of demanding fixture schedule

Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick has given players left behind during the international break a five-day rest ahead of a demanding run of fixtures across different competitions. 

The German manager’s decision aims to ease the workload of the available players before the busy schedule resumes.

Flick supervised Barcelona’s final training session of the week on Tuesday in a relaxed atmosphere, with several first-team players away on international duty. 

Following the session, he released the remaining players until Monday, giving them an extended break.

Several key players, including Pedri, Lamine Yamal, Fermín López, Frenkie de Jong and Raphinha, are currently away representing their respective countries. 

Others include Joan García, Pau Cubarsí, Marc Bernal, João Cancelo, and Livaković.

Meanwhile, injured players and those overlooked for international selection remain around the club. 

The group includes Andreas Christensen, Wojciech Szczęsny, Alejandro Balde, Gavi and Eric García, alongside other squad members. 

Flick also involved youngsters Max Bonfill and Álex González in Tuesday’s training session.

The Barcelona players will resume full training on Monday as preparations begin for an intense period that will see the Spanish champions compete in La Liga, the UEFA Champions League and the Copa del Rey.

Their upcoming opponents include Villarreal, Sabah, Deportivo La Coruña, Atletico Madrid, Celta Vigo, Manchester City, Málaga and Real Sociedad, as well as a yet-to-be-determined Copa del Rey opponent.

The demanding schedule is expected to continue until the Christmas break, leaving little room for recovery between matches. 

Flick will therefore be hoping the extended rest helps his available players regain freshness and fitness as Barcelona prepare for a crucial period in their campaign.

Flick’s decision also reflects the importance of squad management as Barcelona navigate a congested fixture calendar.

With several first-team regulars expected to return from international duty, the manager will be keen to have his squad fully prepared, minimize injury risk, and maintain consistency across all competitions during the demanding weeks ahead.