Premier League just finished a three‑week pause, yet many stars barely caught a breath.
During the extended international hiatus, 25 Premier League internationals logged a full 360 minutes – the equivalent of four matches.
Among them were 13 World Cup veterans, including Liverpool skipper Virgil van Dijk, who tallied 55 outings for his club last term.
Van Dijk, England’s Declan Rice, Morgan Rogers and Harry Kane have each surpassed 4,000 minutes across all competitions this season, mirroring last year’s grind.
In my view, the current timetable is reckless and cannot be sustained, say sports scientists and psychologists.
“Fans expect top‑level displays, and they’ll clamor if the quality drops,” warned an analyst.
Players are already cherry‑picking fixtures to preserve their bodies.
Cole Palmer, Marcus Rashford, Rice, Kobbie Mainoo and Tino Livramento all quit the England squad ahead of the latest window.
Germany’s Kai Havertz and France captain Kylian Mbappé also sat out the recent break.
‘Like going back in time’ with mental health attitudes
PFA chief Maheta Molango called the withdrawals a symptom of a “sick” system.
“When England sees five stars pull out of a call‑up, you wonder what’s broken in the sport,” he said.
“They adore representing England, but biology draws the line – you can’t cheat it,” Molango added.
Molango proposes a compulsory three‑week summer rest followed by a three‑week re‑conditioning spell.
Dr Richardson, who advises Liverpool on player welfare, says such a pause is impossible under today’s fragmented governance.
“No single body governs the calendar; every league fights for its own spotlight,” he explained.
“Without an independent overseer, the grind won’t last,” he warned.
Dr Chris James, a sleep‑performance expert at Cardiff, argues men’s football neglects its duty of care.
“Mental health must sit beside physical health; I hear that conversation far more in the men’s game than the women’s,” he noted.
But what do the players think?
Former defender Matt Upson told BBC Radio 5 Live during England’s Nations League clash with the Czech Republic that the early break has both ups and downs.
“An intense spell can break down dressing‑room walls and give managers extra training time,” he said.
“Yet four games in a short burst feels massive mid‑season, especially after a busy summer,” he added.
Ex‑teammate Paul Robinson says proper prep is vital, but trimming minutes seems futile.
“With such a packed schedule, training windows shrink. Coaches admit they lack time, which is understandable given the relentless demands,” he explained.
“From a player’s perspective, the calendar isn’t unmanageable if you self‑manage between matches,” he argued.
“If Norway and England reach next summer’s Nations League final, would Haaland or Kane sit back on three weeks off? Absolutely not,” he said.
“They’ll demand more action – players love the stage,” he concluded.
Dr James warns the thrill of dozens of games is fleeting, while injury risk and constant high‑intensity strain take a heavier toll.
He notes some athletes turn to snus and other aids to stay sharp.
“Football still undervalues the physical and psychological recovery needed,” he asserted.
“True rest means stepping away from the professional grind, not just light training,” he added.
“Heavy loads breed injuries, which can scar a player’s mind and spark contract anxieties,” he explained.
“Feeling good after a run of games doesn’t guarantee long‑term health; mental fatigue can be just as damaging,” he said.
“Clubs should educate players on the benefits of downtime and sell the idea as essential,” he urged.
Dr Richardson points to Brentford as a club that excels in sports‑psychology support.
With the Club World Cup looming, a potentially larger World Cup and no reduction in domestic fixtures, a clear way forward remains elusive.
“Players have little say over the calendar, and some will simply step back,” Richardson observed.
“That lack of empowerment, plus the fear of losing a spot, creates a lose‑lose scenario – play and risk injury or sit out and risk relevance,” he warned.
“Damned if you do, damned if you don’t,” he summed up.