16 Barça players called up for their national teams

Next weekend the League stops for another international break. Ernesto Valverde won’t be able to count on 16 players from his squad as they will travel with their countries to play friendly matches in the lead up to the World Cup in Russia.

Confrontations between colleagues

Spain and France have called up the most Barça players. Lopetegui has chosen Iniesta, Alba and Piqué for the two confrontations against Marc-André ter Stegen's Germany and Lionel Messi’s Argentina.

Ter Stegen, will also play against Brazil, meaning he will face Philippe Coutinho and Paulinho. Cillessen (Holland) is up against André Gomes (Portugal) on the second Matchday, whilst Yerry Mina (Colombia), will travel to France to play a game against Dembélé, Digne and Umtiti.

For his part, Vermaelen (Belgium) will play a single match versus Saudi Arabia

Long trips for Rakitic and Suárez

The two players that will accumulate most miles will be Ivan Rakitic (Croatia) and Luis Suárez (Uruguay). The Balkan team will travel to Miami to face Peru, and then onto Dallas and a meeting with Mexico. Uruguay will fly to China, where the semifinals of the China Cup will be played against the Czech Republic, and in the case of victory, the final.

EVERY GAME WITH BLAUGRANA PARTICIPATION (ALL TIMES CET)

Friday, March 23

Germany - Spain (8.30pm)

Uruguay - Czech Republic (12.35pm)

Argentina - Italy (8.45pm)

France - Colombia (9.00pm)

Netherlands - England (8.45pm)

Russia - Brazil (5.00pm)

Portugal - Egypt (8.45pm)

Saturday, March 24

Perú - Croatia (1.00pm)

Monday, March 26

Portugal - Netherlands (8.30pm)

Tuesday, March 27

Germany - Brazil (8.45pm)

Spain - Argentina (8.45pm)

Russia - France (5.50pm)

Colombia - Australia (9.00pm)

Belgium - Saudi Arabia (8.45pm)

Wednesday, March 28

Mexico - Croatia (4.00am)