A growing concern

The Men's European Football Injury Index, an annual report by global insurance broker Howden, found there were 4,123 injuries in the top divisions of England, Spain, Germany, Italy and France last season. It said the number of injuries had risen year-on-year since the index was first published in 2021 and that "it would be fair to expect a continuation of this upwards trajectory".

Tony Strudwick, medical director for West Bromwich Albion and former head of performance for Manchester United, said injuries are on the rise despite advancements in sports science and medicine.

"That to me looks like there's a mismatch between what the players can physically tolerate and what they've been exposed to," he told reporters. "During the last eight seasons, incidents of hamstring injuries, in particular, have increased."

Strudwick said the risk of too many games was ultimately injury and burnout, but, he said, players are unlikely to raise the issue with their clubs or national teams.

"Players are very reluctant to say they don't want to play, and that they're very, very tired. It takes a relatively brave person to do that," he said.

Manchester City played 61 games in the 2022-23 campaign when it won a trophy treble, claiming the Premier League, Champions League and FA Cup.

This season, that number could rise to 71 because of an expanded group stage and potential playoff in the Champions League and the Club World Cup. A heavy workload is also an issue in women's soccer, FIFPRO said earlier last month, though it noted that while some top players have a packed schedule, others don't get to play enough.