At the season’s start, the Manchester City coach spoke with resolve. Pep Guardiola warned that a losing battle looms unless the squad rises to the challenge and refuses to play underperforming games. The message came as the team prepared for the European Super Cup, following a period in which Kevin De Bruyne, a central pillar of the club through 2024, had left the lineup. The focus was clear: the show must go on, and performances abroad in Asia, the USA, and other heavy fixtures would test the team’s resilience.
Another blow to Real Madrid: Militao ruptured his cruciate ligament and will almost miss the season
The relentless match pressure faced by top players remains a constant theme. International windows intensify the toll, sometimes described as a FIFA virus, with minutes ticking up and injuries appearing in unexpected contexts. Reports from Prensa Ibérica revealed that Joseph Aidoo, captain of Celta, sustained an injury in the early hours of a Saturday, underscoring how international duties can collide with club commitments. The Ghana-Mexico friendship analogy highlighted the intertwined pressures of global football.
Aidoo, Balde, Nico Williams, Javi López…
The centre-back collision with Hirving Lozano resulted in a severe Achilles injury to the left leg. This marks one of the most serious injuries a football player can endure, and club medical teams did not specify an exact return date, only noting that the absence would be substantial. The season’s momentum shifted as a key defender faced a lengthy layoff, complicating relegation battles and mid-table struggles alike.
The heavenly club finds itself without a pivotal defender during a delicate phase as it sits near the bottom of its league. A direct rival in the fight to avoid relegation, Alavés, also faced negative headlines during the international window. Javi López had to leave the Spain under-21 concentration after a knock, altering the trajectory of a top-five talent on a critical day. The window has yielded few bright changes; injuries and rotations have persisted for players like Alejandro Balde and Nico Williams. The Barcelona full-back did not travel to Oslo due to a groin issue and was replaced by Pedraza. The medical report cited an intercostal muscle injury on the left side, and Nico Williams faced the possibility of undercover participation against FC Barcelona with the inherent risks.
Mikel Merino: “We were brave with the statement, we had to take a step forward”
Yamal case and risk of injury due to “business football”
The most discussed topic centered on Laminated Yamal. After finishing the Granada match with an injury, the player traveled to Madrid for evaluation by federation health services, who determined he would miss the games against Scotland and Norway. Outside La Liga’s direct purview, Victor Osimhen’s situation in Napoli cast a shadow that raised questions about squad selection for the upcoming Real Madrid clash.
The federation confirmed a moderate right femur injury for the Italian striker, predicting at least a month away from action. Players acknowledged the situation and did not hesitate to speak about it. In a conversation with a regional publication, Merino weighed the heavy load of fixtures, offering a candid view on the balance between competition and player welfare. He noted there are two paths: adapt to a denser schedule or push for a reduced calendar. The latter faces financial obstacles, underscoring football’s business dimension. The idea of having fewer games to allow for more shows was proposed as a possibility, though it would require systemic change.
Vinicius and Bellingham play twice as much as their predecessors
A FIFPRO analysis highlighted how the 2022/2023 season’s redesigned calendar, set to accommodate the Qatar World Cup, increased workload for top players. The study found that Vinicius Junior and Jude Bellingham logged roughly double the competitive minutes of peers their age, raising injury and fatigue concerns. The data also showed generational gaps: Pedri accumulated significantly more playing time than Xavi at the same age in Barcelona’s ascent. The report noted that Mbappé’s era overlapped with shifts in attendance and participation patterns.
Looking ahead, the study suggested that continued heavy calendars could push the 2024/2025 season toward a high 80s-game total for elite players, a toll that clubs, leagues, and players will need to manage with care. The emphasis remained on safeguarding health while balancing commercial and competitive demands. The dialogue from FIFPRO stressed that long-term health must precede other priorities and that proactive measures are essential as schedules evolve.
November window and African Cup
Officials acknowledged that the schedule compression places greater physical and mental strain on modern elites. The federation heads emphasized precautions to protect players, with statements that health and safety come first. As clubs brace for another international window in mid-November, teams prepare for qualification battles, and the African Cup will take precedence over scheduling in January. Some clubs could lose players between the 13th and 24th of January as the tournament reshapes the calendar for multiple teams. In these moments, the show indeed must go on, and teams adapt to maintain competitiveness.