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The current break has brought several international break injuries across Europe. Kylian Mbappé, Jamal Musiala, Kai Havertz, Alexander Isak, Cody Gakpo, Bruno Fernandes and Patrick Dorgu are among the players with fitness issues.
The break runs from late September to early October. UEFA has planned four Nations League matchdays from September 24 to October 6.
This has caused concern for clubs. Some players have left their teams early. Others need checks before they can play again.
International Break Injuries: Mbappé and Musiala
International Break Injuries: Mbappé Leaves France Camp
Kylian Mbappé picked up a knee issue while playing for France against Türkiye on September 25.
The Real Madrid star scored the only goal in France’s 1-0 win. He then left the game with a knee issue.
Real Madrid later confirmed the problem. Tests found a hyperextension in his left knee.
Mbappé left the France camp early. He will miss France’s other games in this break.
Jamal Musiala Suffers a Thigh Injury
Jamal Musiala also left Germany duty early. The Bayern Munich star has a torn muscle fibre in his right thigh.
The injury came during the warm-up before Germany played the Netherlands. Musiala was in the starting team but could not play.
Bayern said Musiala would return to Munich. He will now start his recovery.
Kai Havertz also left the Germany camp. The Arsenal forward has a muscle issue.
Germany have now lost two players during the break.
Kai Havertz is among the players affected by International Break Injuries.
International Break Injuries: Liverpool Monitor Isak and Gakpo
Liverpool also have two forwards with injury issues.
Alexander Isak returned to Liverpool from Sweden duty on September 27. Liverpool said he had a minor injury.
Isak will miss Sweden’s other games in this break.
Sweden coach Graham Potter said Isak has a small thigh issue. He also said the busy game list played a part.
Cody Gakpo then added to Liverpool’s concerns. The Netherlands forward left the game against Serbia after about 17 minutes.
Gakpo picked up an ankle issue after a challenge from Serbia’s Saša Lukić. More checks will show how bad the problem is.
International Break Injuries: Fernandes and Dorgu
Manchester United also have two players with fitness issues.
Bruno Fernandes missed Portugal’s game against Norway. He had played against Wales before that.
Portugal boss Jorge Jesus said Fernandes played the Wales game while carrying an injury from Manchester United.
Fernandes has stayed with Portugal. Manchester United said on September 28 that he is working towards full fitness.
Patrick Dorgu has also had a setback with Denmark. The Manchester United defender left Denmark’s 2-0 win over Wales after about 30 minutes.
There is no set return date for Dorgu yet.
Martin Ødegaard Faces an Ankle Knock
Martin Ødegaard is another player facing an injury scare.
The Arsenal captain hurt his ankle during Norway’s 2-1 loss to Portugal. The knock came late in the game after a challenge from Bernardo Silva.
Ødegaard finished the match. He got treatment after the game.
He said he hoped the problem would settle within a few days. There is no sign of a serious injury at this stage.
Daniel Ballard is also out for the rest of Northern Ireland’s break. The Sunderland defender picked up a hamstring issue during the win over Georgia.
Ballard has returned to Sunderland for more checks.
Why International Break Injuries Matter
The break can cause problems for clubs. Players leave their clubs to join their national teams. Some then return with injuries.
The timing also matters. This UEFA Nations League break is longer than a normal break.
Teams can play four matchdays from September 24 to October 6. That means more games in less time.
Players also face more travel and training. This adds to their load.
Clubs must check each player before they return to play.
Mbappé and Musiala have confirmed injuries. Isak has a minor injury. Gakpo and Ødegaard need more checks.
Fernandes and Dorgu also remain under watch.
More news should come as players return to their clubs. Medical teams will then decide when they can train and play again.
By: Rishi Agre, Shruti Prabhune
Photo: Niti Ladha
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