International breaks have become a joke and they’ve not helped Arsenal at all!
After only seven Premier League games there’s been two International Breaks which surely isn’t right!
There should be an International Break every three to four months maximum, players already play at least 40 games a season which is enough of a physical, mental and emotional toll for them. Yes they may be earning thousands and millions but simply put, it comes with a strain to their health and wellbeing which someone who works 9-5 in an office environment, may perhaps struggle to relate with in terms of physical demand.
International matches used to be played originally at the weekend without a disruption to domestic fixtures, players also used to be handed a day of rest if not two after playing on a Saturday but this simply doesn’t seem to be the case anymore in this day and age of instant demand, gratification and constant mental stimulation, which has worked its way into the world of Sport. Witnessing sportsmen’s mental and physical health at times drop off and be taken for granted as well as being undervalued by fans and those of senior authority in the game unmistakeably!
The International Break has only made squad issues more stressful for clubs and managers which is evident with Arsenal currently.
So far this season three of our vital players have picked up injuries due to the unpopular International Breaks, which they wouldn’t have had otherwise.
Our captain Martin Odegaard was handed as described by Mikel Arteta “significant ligament injury” whilst in action during the first International Break with Norway, in September in the Nations League. The midfielders due to come back next month but there are recent reports saying that his return could be hold off till December with nearly half the season gone!
The Diamond of a player Bukayo Saka was forced off the pitch in the early stages of England’s Nations League 1-2 defeat to Greece on Thursday, pulling out of the side for Sunday’s 3-1 win over Finland in the same competition. It doesn’t look as if he’ll miss Saturday’ Premier League game against Bournemouth but we are still yet to know whether he’ll be ok fully or not. All England’s interim manager Lee Carsely could say in relation to the incident was “He’s a positive person and I expect him to be fine.”
To make matters worse for Arteta and Arsenal, Gabriel Martinelli was witnessed with tape on during a training session with Brazil, he’s had pain in his right calf and endured an MRI scan at the end of the weekend, which concluded he has muscle edema (swelling caused by too much fluid stuck in the body’s tissues). To top it all off he’s currently receiving physiotherapy from the Brazil national team medics, with no date established on when he’ll be able to return to action for Arsenal.
This is silly after two quickfire and unnecessary breaks this season almost a quarter of the Arsenal team have become injured.
This International Break fixture congestion must be sorted out for once and for all!
Liam Harding
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Internationals are meaningless and if they have to be played they should be at the end of the season.
Players getting injured on international duty will then have some time to recover. The club would not be quite so inconvenienced by injuries suffered on international duty.
Nations league should be killed anyway, surely the euros (or equivalent) and the World Cup are enough,
While some international games were played on a Saturday, a lot were played mid-week. To say the Saturday international games didn’t disrupt the domestic games isn’t exactly true, as many teams were missing their best players.
Since the end of the Cold War and the Balkan war in the 90’s, many new countries have appeared, which in turn means more international games.
Aside from the Euros and World Cup, the games seem to be quite a waste of time and risk to players. Occasional call ups every few months is fine to ensure national team chemistry.
However, it is ridiculous that we are already on our 2nd international break 7 games into the season! Why risk your league standing over meaningless international friendlies?
Say we miss out again by 2 or 3 points from the title. Is it a legitimate concern that the injuries sustained during these friendlies cost us the title?
Considering how difficult the PL is, we may not be in a position to challenge each year with the competition among the top clubs. Liverpool is coming back strong, Newcastle is improving, and how long before Chelsea is once again competing for the top spot?
Speaking of. Just found out that California plays for both the National seniors and under 21s of Italy. So, he played last night and tonight…🤔
😂😂😂😂”Califiori” not “ California”…
“Calafiori” not “Califiori”
He didn’t NY. They wouldn’t be allowed too.
@Reggie
That’s what I thought Reggie. But while watching the Italy v Ireland U-21s, the commentator said Califiori was subbed in the 1st half. I checked their lineup on tnt sports and he showed up there at lb. I didn’t see him playing though. I did watch him against Israel in the senior team though. Confusing…🫤
Internationals generally are waste of time. WC and EC the only games that should be played.
How will they qualify?
What about AFCON, Copa America, Asia Cup?
This international duty doesn’t wish Arsenal well now marten elli is injured
I absolutely hate these international breaks. Risking our players’ health for a completely superfluous thing like the Nations League is a crying shame.
TV rights…..😂