Barcelona stars shine on international duty as Raphinha injury remains only concern

Barcelona stars shine on international duty as Raphinha injury remains only concern Barcelona have received another encouraging sign during the international break, with several of Hansi Flick’s key players returning to their national teams in strong form. The biggest concern remains Raphinha’s right-thigh problem , but the overall picture is positive.  As such, the likes of Lamine Yamal, Anthony Gordon and several other Barcelona players have contributed goals or assists, while the majority of the squad remains available for the remaining international fixtures. With the final round of Nations League fixtures to be played in the coming days, Flick will be hoping that continues before Barcelona return to LaLiga against Getafe. Yamal and Gordon lead Barcelona’s international charge Barcelona’s attacking players have been particularly productive. Lamine Yamal has scored three times during the break, including a spectacular brace in Spain’s 4-1 victory over Croatia, while also providing an assist.  Anthony Gordon has scored twice for England. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images) Gordon, on his part, has also found the net twice. After scoring in the 2-3 defeat to Spain, the Barcelona forward struck again in Prague against the Czech Republic. His performances are particularly encouraging for Flick , with Gordon showing a level of attacking sharpness that Barcelona will want to see continue after the break. Raphinha has one goal from Brazil’s two friendlies, converting a penalty against Australia.  He also completed the first match and assisted Brazil’s equaliser before being substituted at half-time in the second game because of discomfort in his right thigh. Raphinha and Eric Garcia provide the only real concern Raphinha has already returned to Barcelona for medical assessment, with the swelling in his thigh not currently expected to represent a serious injury. Raphinha has returned from international duty. (Photo by Ian Hitchcock/Getty Images) Meanwhile, Eric Garcia has also left international duty after experiencing discomfort in his left knee during the warm-up before England faced Spain. Barcelona confirmed there was no injury and that his withdrawal was precautionary. Put together, of the 17 Barcelona players initially called up, 14 remain with their national teams, with Raphinha, Garcia and Karim Adeyemi already finished with their international commitments. Adeyemi started both Germany matches during the break and impressed despite the team’s results, while several other Barça players have also contributed. Hamza Abdelkarim scored in Egypt’s 5-0 win over South Sudan, while Joao Cancelo found the net in Portugal’s 4-2 victory over Denmark. Lastly, Jules Kounde has featured for France, while Marc Bernal, Xavi Espart and Jesse Bisiwu remain involved with their respective Under-21 sides.