International Break: Updates on Luis Diaz, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Alexis Mac Allister | OneFootball

International Break Woes: When Every Minute Counts

God I hate international football. We sit here, watching, waiting, as our beloved club players rack up minutes across the globe during this international break. There’s an uneasiness in the air, like a shadow lurking behind every pass, tackle, and shot. We know it well – that hollow feeling that our squad is out there battling for their countries, leaving us fans helpless, hoping, praying for their safe return. The bad thing is, many are going the full 90 minutes. No one gets a rest. No one is spared from our lot it seems. Trent’s Marathon Against Greece

The spectacle of Wembley, the historic home of English football, hosted a gritty contest between England and Greece. The lights, the cheers, and, of course, the weight of the nation on the players’ shoulders. Among them, Trent Alexander-Arnold, a key figure in our defensive lineup. But this wasn’t a cameo appearance, no half-hearted jog. Trent clocked the full game, a relentless 90-minute stretch, every sprint, tackle, and cross pushing his body to its limit as he tried to help win it.

And this isn’t just a one-off for Trent. You know he’ll start on Sunday and then be expected to come back for us a week later. Don’t lie, we all preferred it when Southgate used to play his illegitimate son Trippier in that positon.

Photo: IMAGO

Diaz at Altitude

Meanwhile, in Bolivia, Luis Diaz was running in a very different climate, at extreme altitude. It’s hard to overstate how difficult that is. The air is thin, every breath feels like a struggle, yet he played the full 90 minutes. The altitude adds a layer of physical strain that you can’t just recover from overnight. We’ve seen it time and time again – players coming back from international duty at high altitudes aren’t the same for weeks. We can only hope Diaz’s dynamic play remains intact, but deep down, we can’t help but wonder how many minutes before his body calls time.

Konate Leads France in Israel

And then there’s Ibrahima Konaté, a defensive rock for France, who was similarly tasked with playing a full match against Israel. He was impeccable, but that’s the thing. He played every single minute, especially for a player whose baffled so many with his fitness this season compared to regions years. But we know what happens when defenders are overworked and we know what’s happens to Ibou previously. Muscles get tight, fatigue sets in and unfortunately Deschamps has realised he’s better than the other options they have is what you fear. There’s no immediate solution. All we can do is pray.

Photo: IMAGO

More to Come: Hungary vs. Netherlands and Salah on Friday

Friday night brings a fresh batch of worries as Hungary face the Netherlands. That’s four key players to fret about: Szoboszlai, Gravenberch, Gakpo, and Van Dijk. Szoboszlai, with his relentless energy, Gravenberch’s midfield engine, Gakpo’s attacking prowess, and Van Dijk’s unmatched defensive leadership – all potential 90-minute warriors. But it doesn’t stop there. Mo Salah, our talisman, will likely start and play the full game against Mauritania, further stretching his legs and testing his endurance. And with every passing minute, the anxiety deepens.

Small Mercies: Argentina Rest Mac Allister

There’s one slight reprieve in all of this madness – Argentina saw sense. They rested Mac Allister on a waterlogged pitch against Venezuela. Perhaps someone out there is listening to our collective prayers. But this minor mercy doesn’t erase the fact that nearly all of our key players are grinding through 90-minute stints, all with a chance of further minutes in the coming days.

Photo: IMAGO

We look at players like Bukayo Saka being withdrawn due to injury and can’t help but think, “Please, not us.” Although you’re never quite sure with his limp eh.The sheer physical demands, the toll on their bodies – it’s something that club managers and fans alike must monitor closely. Saka’s injury serves as a cruel reminder to how international football could potentially hurt Liverpool and their season.

All We Can Do Is Pray

And so, we wait, fingers crossed, hoping the international break doesn’t become the nightmare we fear it could be. Our players are out there, doing their countries proud, but every minute on the pitch is another step closer to potential injury, fatigue, and burn-out. You know the majority will play the second game and most if not all the 90 minutes. Let’s just pray some get a rest and Mac Allister not playing Wednesday morning before a 15,000 mile return leg would be great. We just pray they return safely because, right now, the stakes couldn’t be higher.