February 2017 was the last time the Brazil international had a break from the football calendar as his commitments for Guanzhou Evergrande, Brazil and Barcelona have given him little restbite since.
The 29-year-old, who doesn't have youth on his side, has accumulated 73 games since then. Almost half (35) have been for his current club, Barcelona, whilst he has also featured nine times for the Brazilian national team and played 29 games during his stint in China.
His congested schedule is the result of differing timetables abroad, as the Chinese Super league began its campaign on February 22. Paulinho was a key player for Evergrande which meant he missed Europe's summer break, a factor which has come back to haunt him later.
Barcelona signed the midfielder in August, at the start of their season, and were amazed by the Brazilian performances, who was aided by his considerable match time in China.
However, with fatigue starting to creep in, it might be wise for Ernesto Valverde to consider resting Paulinho in a few league matches, given Barcelona's commandable lead at the summit, as his schedule shows no sign of lightening up.
The Catalan club still have La Liga fixtures to play whilst negotiating the Champions League, which you would expect them to go far in. However, as the season draws to a close, Paulinho won't be able to rest given the impending World Cup in Russia, which starts on June 14.
Barcelona have a host of players in their arsenal and with Ousmane Dembele back from injury and Philippe Coutinho finding his feet at the Camp Nou, it might be time to give the Brazilian a much-needed holiday so he is back and ready for the return leg against Chelsea on March 14 .