Barcelona worried about midfielder’s double international duty, hope to avoid a ‘Pedri situation’

Spain have enjoyed a good run in the European Championships so far, winning all three of their group-stage games and topping a group with Italy and Croatia comfortably.

They are one of the favourites to take home the title next month, but the hunt for Spanish glory will not end in Germany.

The Olympic games in Paris next month see a special generation from the country take part, and the squad for the event was released earlier today.

Three Barcelona stars have been called up for the event in France – Fermin Lopez, Pau Cubarsi and Eric Garcia.

As reported by AS, however, there is concern in the Barcelona offices over the situation of Lopez.

An inhuman schedule

Fermin Lopez is already with Luis de La Fuente’s squad for the Euros and will stay in the loop as long as Spain remain in contention. In theory, he could be tied up with La Roja until July 14th when the Euro final is scheduled.

The Spanish Olympic contingent, however, begins training under Santi Denia as early as July 1st. He will, thus, take a direct flight to Paris after the Euros should the team make a deep run in the event, leaving him with no rest.

The situation is only complicated when one considers the situation after the quadrennial event.

The Olympic Games football final is scheduled for August 14, coinciding with Barcelona’s start of the new league season. Lopez, thus, could be left fatigued and with no rest this summer.

Avoiding a Pedri situation

Fermin Lopez has become a critical player for Barcelona, especially with Gavi out injured. Hansi Flick’s arrival was only expected to increase his prominence, but the situation now is worrying.

Barcelona are reminded of the story of Pedri’s first season at the club when he was pushed to the limit by both club and country. The schedule left him broken and its repercussions are seen in his fragile fitness to date.

Lamine Yamal, who is a regular for the senior international setup, will not play in the Olympics while Cubarsi has been omitted from the Euro squad keeping the next tournament in mind.

It is, thus, only Fermin who will endure a tireless summer.