Barcelona concerned about veteran superstar’s workload – report | OneFootball

Ilkay Gundogan’s presence as a key player for both Barcelona and Germany has been impressive this season. His leadership and performance on the field are undeniable, making him an essential asset for both teams.

However, Barcelona are growing increasingly concerned about the heavy workload he has shouldered this year, reports Mundo Deportivo.

To date, Gundogan has already participated in an astonishing 64 matches this season. If Germany advance to the final at the Euros, this number could rise to 68.

Barcelona have been in this situation before

Barcelona have experienced the consequences of such an intense schedule before. During the 2020-21 season, Pedri played a total of 68 games for both club and country. This gruelling schedule had a lasting impact on him, and he is still battling to regain full fitness.

For Gundogan, the situation is alarmingly similar. He has played in 51 of Barcelona’s 53 games this season, which includes 36 matches in La Liga, 10 in the Champions League, 3 in Copa del Rey and 2 in the Super Cup.

Barcelona are worried about Ilkay Gunudogan’s extensive playtime. (Photo by Eric Alonso/Getty Images)

Additionally, he participated in 10 friendly matches with the German national team before the Euros and the 3 group stage matches of the tournament.

This scenario has raised red flags at Barcelona, especially when drawing parallels to Pedri’s experience.

The prime example of Pedri

In the 2020-21 season, Pedri played 52 out of 54 possible games for Barcelona. On top of that, he represented Spain in the Euros, World Cup qualifiers, and the Olympics.

The relentless schedule took a toll on him, causing physical strain that impacted his performance the following year. Barcelona had already deemed such a packed schedule excessive back then, and now they fear a similar situation with Gundogan.

At 33 years old, Gundogan is in peak physical condition, but the risks of overexertion cannot be ignored. Any injuries or physical issues that arise during Germany’s participation in the Euros could be a significant problem for Barcelona.

The club relies heavily on his leadership and experience, especially under the management of Hansi Flick. Despite this reliance, Barcelona are reportedly open to listening to offers for Gundogan, possibly due to concerns about his ability to maintain such a demanding pace.

For what it is worth, the potential repercussions of Gundogan’s heavy workload extend beyond immediate physical strain.

The long-term effects on his health and performance could impact both his career and the teams he represents. As Barcelona go through this situation again, they must weigh the benefits of his contributions against the potential costs of overuse.