In the run-up to the match against Mallorca, Xavi Hernández did not overlook the damage that the international break has done to his squad. The Barcelona coach assured that the plague of injuries is a pity "after a very controlled start to the season in that regard."
Faced with such a setback, Xavi has said it would be good to be able to find a formula that helps avoid so many injuries and so much fatigue that these international windows accumulate.
"It's difficult," Xavi said. "I think FIFA have a plan to have a World Cup every two years, which has been controversial, but there is a calendar where national teams are together for one-and-a-half months.
"Then, the clubs get the players for the rest of the year. It's just one block with their countries. I think that would be a good solution, but it is not up to me."
Jules Kounde and Ronald Araujo were both injured with France and Uruguay respectively, while Hector Bellerin picked up a knock in training, leaving Barça short in defence.
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Frenkie de Jong and Memphis Depay were also injured with the Netherlands.