Barcelona 'aware' of breaking FIFA rules for Osasuna clash - but made decision after consulting legal advisors amid rivals' appeal to La Liga

Martinez, who was forced to pull out of the Spain squad for the Nations League matches due to an injury, was declared fit ahead of Barcelona's revised La Liga fixture against Osasuna on Thursday. The defender played the full 90 minutes as La Blaugrana thrashed their opponents 3-0.

Osasuna subsequently submitted a formal complaint with the RFEF, citing a FIFA rule which forbids players who withdraw from duty for their country from playing for their clubs until at least five days after the end of the international break. Catalunya Radio, however, reports that Barcelona were 'aware' of the rule and had even consulted legal experts who advised the club to field the defender regardless. The report adds that Barcelona are banking on a caveat that claims that if the federation agrees with the club in question to release the player, the regulation can no longer be enforced.

Ferran Torres, Robert Lewandowski and Dani Olmo were on target for Hansi Flick's side as they clinched a dominating win and extended their lead over arch-rivals Real Madrid to three points at the top of the table.

Barcelona will be back in action in La Liga on Sunday as they take on Girona in an important encounter at home.