Too Early To Relax With International Break | OneFootball

International Break: Promising News, but Plenty Still to Watch

It is nearly over, but don’t celebrate too soon just yet. The international break always brings mixed feelings. It’s a time for fans to catch their breath from the relentless domestic schedule, but it also carries the worry of potential injuries and fatigue for key players. As we find ourselves midway through this break, the updates have been mostly promising, though we still need to keep our fingers crossed.

Rest for Van Dijk: A Welcome Development

The biggest headline so far is the absence of Virgil van Dijk from the Netherlands’ final UEFA Nations League group game against Bosnia and Herzegovina. Manager Ronald Koeman has stated:

This decision is undoubtedly good news for fans hoping to see Van Dijk fully rested ahead of the club’s next round of fixtures. His composed presence in defence is critical, and avoiding an unnecessary second game is a relief for all concerned.

Campaigns Wrapped Up: Relief for Key Players

Monday brought even more positive updates, as several players completed their international duties. Kostas Tsimikas, Ibrahima Konaté, Caoimhín Kelleher, and Curtis Jones have all finished their campaigns, with no reported injuries. Each of these players has been pivotal in recent weeks, and their safe return is a blessing for their respective clubs.

Photo: IMAGO

Adding to this, Mohamed Salah didn’t travel at all, sparing him the demands of long flights and intense matches with Egypt. The Egyptian forward’s fitness and sharpness are vital as he continues to lead the attack domestically. Meanwhile, the hope is that players like Harvey Elliott, Diogo Jota, Alisson Becker, and Federico Chiesa are inching closer to full recovery, ensuring squad depth and quality for the busy months ahead.

Key Fixtures Still Looming

While these updates are encouraging, the international break is far from over. Several important players are yet to complete their commitments. Scotland’s Andy Robertson will take the field for his country tonight (19:45 GMT) against rivals Poland, while Dutch stars Cody Gakpo and Ryan Gravenberch remain in action for the Netherlands. The pair are integral to their national setup and are scheduled to play tonight at 19:45.

Meanwhile, Hungary’s Dominik Szoboszlai is preparing for a critical match against Germany, also at 19:45 on Tuesday. His creative midfield play will be under scrutiny as Hungary fights for a favourable result. Argentina’s Alexis Mac Allister has a late fixture against Peru at midnight, where his workload will need careful management. Similarly, Darwin Núñez will take to the pitch for Uruguay against Brazil at 00:45. With his explosive style, Núñez’s well-being post-match will be a key concern.

Colombia’s Luis Díaz is another who will be in action in the early hours, representing his country in what is always a demanding CONMEBOL World Cup Qualifier. His energy and flair are irreplaceable, but the risk of fatigue is significant.

Fingers Crossed for a Safe Conclusion

Though the updates so far bring optimism, it’s too early to declare this break a success. Several fixtures remain, involving key players whose physical condition could determine their clubs’ fortunes over the coming weeks. With tight schedules and high stakes, there’s little room for complacency.

For now, fans can breathe a little easier knowing that many players are already heading back or staying fresh. However, as the remaining matches unfold, all eyes will remain on those still in action, hoping for clean sheets, decisive performances, and most importantly, no injuries. Plus, the Trent update will be crucial too. Keep everything crossed still.