Injuries, loss of momentum – Analyst makes case for FIFA to scrap March international break

There will not be any international break again until this football season ends.

The sound of that is good news to fans.

FIFA usually maximizes these periods within the campaign majorly for qualifiers and play-offs.

However, the break in March sees a lot of international friendlies played.

Rather than keep whining to national teams, clubs have figured out a clever way to preserve their players.

In Arsenal’s case for instance, Takehiro Tomiyasu and Thomas Partey were pulled out of Japan and Ghana’s fixtures, respectively.

And although Bukayo Saka reported for England duty, he returned back without facing either Brazil or Belgium.

Declan Rice, however, ended up playing all the 180 minutes of those matches.

The Gunners, top of the Premier League, are away at Manchester City this Sunday.

Kevin De Bruyne stayed back to recover from injury. Kyle Walker did not complete the first half against Brazil. John Stones barely played 10 minutes against Belgium. Manuel Akanji also picked up a knock with Switzerland.

Most fans raised suspicious eyes over these injuries. And they could yet to prove correct, as some of these players will feature in the top-of-the-table clash at The Etihad.

But can you really blame these clubs? This is the business end of the season and they need their key players fit and firing, whether they are fighting for trophies, European spots or topflight status.

Oluwagbenga Adava, a broadcaster with Breez FM in Akure, tells DAILY POST that it is a toss-up between morality and legality.

Adava said: “It’s a case of legality vs morality.

“Is it amoral? Maybe yes. But is it illegal? No.

“We are heading into the business end of the season where every point matters for teams who are either competing for titles or trying to get into European places or even avoiding relegation.

“There have been club sides who have had gentleman agreements with countries. For example, Portugal allowed Dias and Bernardo travel back to City after just one friendly.

“City have a potential decider with Arsenal in a week and a Champions League to follow. Meanwhile, John Stones and Walker have already picked up injuries on duty for England this last international break. So you really can’t blame them for trying to protect their assets.

“Suffice to say, FIFA pays some sort of money to clubs when players pick up long term injuries while on international duties. It’s because they know the possibilities abound everytime.”

But should FIFA actually consider scrapping the March international break especially?

Adava adds: “As a fan, I’ll say yes. March is the window to the business end of the season.

“International breaks mess with players’ fitness, clubs’ momentum, etc.

“When we add up long flights across the world, jetlag and possible injuries to important players that could derail their season, I honestly think it should be scrapped.

“The players already complain about the excessive amount of games.”