Six Barcelona internationals play today, but eyes on Raphinha

Twelve Barcelona players are on international duty during the break; Raphinha plays for Brazil on Saturday after managing minutes due to recent injuries, drawing criticism in Brazilian media.

Barcelona have twelve first-team players competing for their national teams during the international break. Six played today, including Joan Garcia, Pau Cubarsí, Pedri and Fermín López for Spain against Czechia, with Lamine Yamal joining for Sunday's England match. Anthony Gordon and Dominik Livakovic featured in England's Nations League clash with Croatia.

Frenkie de Jong, Marc Bernal and Hamza Abdelkarim are in action Friday, while Joao Cancelo plays Saturday. Raphinha travels to Singapore for Brazil's friendlies against Japan and the host nation, also on Saturday. Carlo Ancelotti has named the Barcelona forward as captain for the Japan match due to Marquinhos's absence.

Raphinha's decision to manage his minutes following recent injuries has drawn unexpected criticism in Brazilian media, with some questioning his commitment. However, Arsenal defender Gabriel Magalhaes defended him in a press conference in Singapore, saying the group understood his dedication and that he is an ideal player for the national team.