The workload of footballers has been a key topic in recent weeks, with several stars expressing their frustration with the current schedule.
There are fears that the changes to the Champions League format in addition to the expansion of the Club World Cup could lead to more injuries for top stars.
Recently, a worrying trend has emerged, with many of those who complained about fixture congestion suffering injuries.
Mail Sport takes a look at the players that have been struck down by this curse.
Who will be next to suffer a setback after voicing their opinion on the amount of games footballers have to play?
Manchester City star Rodri suffered an ACL injury after complaining about fixture congestion
One of the most high-profile critics of the schedule, Rodri claimed in September that players are close to going on strike due to the workload.
Manchester City and Spain midfielder Rodri played 63 competitive games for club and country last season.
When asked whether players will strike, Rodri said: ‘I think we are close to that,’
‘If it keeps this way, it will be a moment that we have no other option, but let’s see.’
Later than month, in a game against Arsenal, Rodri suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury which means he will miss the rest of the season.
Son Heung-min
Last month, Tottenham’s Son Heung-min insisted that players aren’t robots as he spoke out about the schedule.
He said: ‘A lot of players came out and said the right things and I think it was very important that someone actually came out to say the right things.
‘Players are the main guys to have to say something and it’s definitely a lot of games. As a football fan you want to see a quality game, not as many games as possible, and you don’t want to see people or players struggling with injuries, which nobody wants to see.
Tottenham star Son Heung-min is currently out after he criticised the schedule
‘It’s definitely a lot of games, a lot of travelling [so] we have to look after ourselves which is sometimes very hard, and sometimes mentally and physically you’re not ready and when you’re going onto the pitch then the risk of injury is massive.
‘We are not robots, so I think we just definitely have to look after that and definitely reduce the games and can play a better quality of game. I think this should be the aim.’
Son was speaking ahead of Tottenham’s opening Europa League fixture at home to Qarabag but in that very game on September 26 he suffered a hamstring injury and remains out.
Kevin De Bruyne
Another City star who voiced his concerns with the schedule is Kevin De Bruyne.
The midfielder is especially worried about the impact that the Club World Cup will have on players.
De Bruyne told Reuters: ‘The real problem will emerge after the Club World Cup.
‘We know there will be only three weeks between the Club World Cup final and the first Premier League match. So, we have three weeks to rest and prepare for another 80 matches.
Kevin De Bruyne, who also spoke out about the workload, is currently sidelined
‘Maybe this year things will be okay, but next year could be problematic. The Professional Footballers’ Association in England and other player associations have tried to find solutions.
‘The issue is that UEFA and FIFA keep adding extra matches, and we can raise concerns, but no solutions have been found. It seems that money speaks louder than the players’ voices.’
De Bruyne then suffered a thigh injury against Inter Milan in the Champions League and hasn’t played since, while he won’t be available for Belgium during this international break.
Alisson
Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson bemoaned the fact that players aren’t spoken to before extra games are added to the schedule.
Before Liverpool’s game against AC Milan in the Champions League, Alisson said: ‘Sometimes nobody asks the players what they think about adding more games.
Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson suffered a hamstring injury after speaking about the schedule
‘Maybe our opinion doesn’t matter, but everybody knows what we think about having more games. Everybody’s tired of that.’
Alisson suffered a thigh injury that kept him out for two games and he is now expected to he out for six weeks as a result of the hamstring problem that he suffered against Crystal Palace last weekend.
Dani Carvajal
During the summer, Dani Carvajal, who was part of the successful Spain squad at Euro 2024, described the football calendar as ‘unfeasible’.
Carvajal called upon organisers to make changes to the schedule and said: ‘I think this topic is not only for Lamine (Yamal), but for any footballer who plays in three competitions. UEFA, FIFA and the federations should consider that a player cannot play 60 games a year.
Dani Carvajal expressed his concerns with the schedule and suffered an ACL injury
‘The Super Cup is coming, the Champions League has at least two more games, a World Cup with a month away from home… It is an unfeasible calendar. We can’t keep up the level by playing every three days.’
Like Rodri, Real Madrid defender Carvajal has now suffered an ACL injury and is set for a lengthy spell on the sidelines.
Raphael Varane
In September 2023, Raphael Varane, then of Manchester United, discussed the schedule and longer added time, saying: ‘From the managers and players, we have shared our concerns for many years now that there are too many games, the schedule is overcrowded, and it’s at a dangerous level for players’ physical and mental well-being.
Raphael Varane criticised the schedule and ended up retiring a year later due to injury
‘Despite our previous feedback, they have now recommended for next season: longer games, more intensity, and less emotions to be shown by players. We just want to be in good condition on the pitch to give 100% to our club and fans. Why are our opinions not being heard?’.
Varane joined Como in the summer but suffered a knee injury on his debut against Sampdoria and then announced his retirement at the age of 31.
Jurrien Timber
Arsenal defender Jurrien Timber stated last month that the current fixture schedule is ‘dangerous’.
He said: ‘It’s a big topic at the moment in dressing rooms, not only at City and Liverpool but also our dressing room.
Jurrien Timber isn’t currently injured but the defender missed the majority of last season
‘I didn’t play last season, so I’m just enjoying playing right now – you won’t hear me complaining – but I totally understand what they’re saying.’
Asked if players are more at risk of injury due to the schedule, Timber said: ‘Definitely. I honestly think it’s a dangerous thing. Last week we played City and I think they played again two days later – that’s too much.’
Timber isn’t currently injured but he missed the majority of last season with an anterior cruciate ligament injury.
Ibrahima Konate speaks out about the schedule
Liverpool defender Ibrahima Konate, who is currently away with France for games against Israel and Belgium, has become the latest player to discuss this issue.
He said: ‘If this current climate persists and players decide to take a stand, then we are unified in this cause.
Liverpool fans will hope Ibrahima Konate doesn’t get injured after criticising the schedule
‘This matter deserves serious attention. Clubs often prefer their players stay back from international commitments, but we must acknowledge the sheer volume of matches.
‘While players are contracted to clubs, we cannot overlook the significance of international football.’
Konate will hope that he doesn’t become the latest player to suffer from this injury curse.
