Concerns rise over international break risks for players

Multiple national team managers are expressing concern over FIFA's decision to combine September and October international breaks into one extended window, leading to four competitive matches in roughly 11 days. Players like Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard have already withdrawn or returned injured, raising questions about the physical demands on athletes shortly after the summer World Cup. Netherlands coach Xavi Hernandez deemed this schedule as 'asking for trouble,' while other coaches, including Thomas Tuchel and Jurgen Klopp, voiced similar reservations regarding increased injury risks. Arsenal has been anxiously monitoring their players' health during this period.

• 7:00 PMYahoo Sports — “Asking for trouble” – Is the international break putting players at risk? – Opinion