Three‑week international break raises injury doubts for Haaland

Erling Haaland limped off in Norway’s 2026‑27 international break match against Portugal, leaving his fitness in doubt as the three‑week pause – the first time the Premier League and Championship have halted for that length – draws to a close on Friday, raising player welfare concerns.

For the first time this season the Premier League and Championship suspended action for three weeks instead of the usual two, meaning players will be back in club training from Friday. The extended pause was intended to give national teams a longer window to complete their September‑October fixtures.

FIFA's welfare‑driven schedule

The idea was introduced by FIFA with player welfare at its core, coinciding with a reduction of international breaks from five to four. One reason was the scheduling of the 2026 World Cup final on 19 July, the latest summer World Cup since 1966, which required a longer gap in late September and early October. The change also aims to cut down on cross‑continent travel for African and South American players who ply their trade in Europe.

Injury toll on top players

Since the break began, a growing list of injuries has emerged. Haaland asked to be substituted on 67 minutes and limped off against Portugal, while Manchester City teammate Nico O’Reilly returned to the club for further assessment. Bournemouth midfielder Alex Scott withdrew from the England squad with a thigh injury, prompting the Cherries to criticise England’s handling of the case.

Liverpool duo Cody Gakpo and Alexander Isak have also been sidelined – Gakpo with an ankle injury for the Netherlands and Isak with a minor thigh problem for Sweden. Portugal boss Jorge Jesus disclosed that Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes was playing through pain, and Sunderland’s Dan Ballard and Brian Brobbey both suffered hamstring setbacks.

Across the continent, Real Madrid forward Kylian Mbappé sustained an injury while on duty with France, and Barcelona winger Raphinha returned from Brazil with a thigh issue. NISO chief Kristoffer Vatshaug warned that “the burden on top players has become far too high” and called for clearer guidelines on workload, rest periods and travel strain.

Club managers hope no further names are added as three days of fixtures remain. England boss Thomas Tuchel, who has previously described the three‑week pause as “more challenging” because of travel and only two days of rest, told a pre‑match news conference that “player welfare is priority number one” but added that “we need to get the numbers right” before judging the break’s impact.