Barcelona Plans Early Return of World Cup Stars

Ten Players Still in the World Cup

Barcelona remains the club with the highest number of representatives still active in the tournament, with ten players set to feature in the final weekend. The Catalan side originally listed 15 players, but five have already been eliminated. Those who have exited include Hamza Abdelkarim, Frenkie de Jong, Ronald Araujo, Joao Cancelo and Raphinha. The remaining ten continue to compete through the third‑place playoff and the final between Spain and Argentina.

Two‑Week Break Instead of the Usual Three

According to the report, Barcelona’s World Cup players will receive only two weeks of rest, a reduction from the three weeks normally granted under Spain’s collective agreement. This shortened break positions the squad to return the week beginning August 3, giving them more time before La Liga begins. Players will not lose their entitled holiday; the club plans to offset the extra days during the combined September‑October FIFA window. The practical reasoning is to avoid leaving the World Cup stars with just ten days of pre‑season preparation.

Anthony Gordon will join Barcelona’s training in early August. Meanwhile, some eliminated players have already reported back to the club. Hamza Abdelkarim declined a post‑tournament holiday, returning straight to Barcelona after a brief tribute in Egypt. De Jong came back early because of a serious knee injury that will keep him out for four months. Araujo completed medical exams this week and is slated to resume full training on Monday. Raphinha has a slightly longer break but is expected to link up for pre‑season camp in England.

Early Returns Already Underway

Hamza Abdelkarim hopes to impress Hansi Flick during pre‑season, while the club already expects him to feature regularly with the first team. De Jong’s early return is due to a knee injury that will sideline him for four months. Araujo completed medical checks and is scheduled to resume full training on Monday. Raphinha, granted a slightly longer break, remains on track to join the pre‑season training camp in England.