The Premier League season is set to kick off on August 16, but fans and players alike will have to contend with the disruptions caused by international breaks throughout the campaign. The 2024/25 season will be no different, with four breaks scheduled.
The first international break comes after just three rounds of games, and it is always a frustrating interruption. From September 2 to September 10, teams will have to navigate through this break, which marks the start of the UEFA Nations League group stages, as well as qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup and AFCON. Each nation is expected to play two games during this period.
Less than a month later, from October 7 to October 15, Liverpool’s internationals will once again leave for various destinations around the world. The Nations League will still be ongoing, along with World Cup and AFCON qualifiers. Fortunately, the Reds will have a home game upon their return, providing a slight advantage.
Just when you thought two breaks were enough, there is a third one to deal with. From November 11 to November 19, the group stages of the Nations League will conclude, and the aforementioned qualifiers will continue. Liverpool will face a long journey back as they visit the newly-promoted Southampton at St Mary’s.
Thankfully, there is a decent gap until the final international break of the season. From March 17 to March 25, there will be two more fixtures for representatives of UEFA, AFC, CAF, and CONMEBOL before the final nine league games for Liverpool. Hopefully, the team will have successful cup runs in addition to their league commitments.
These international breaks can be challenging for clubs and their players, as they add more games to an already packed calendar. It is crucial for Liverpool, with their numerous international regulars, that their players return fit and healthy. The fact that the team will have home games after three of the breaks could help them maintain momentum and navigate through these disruptions more smoothly.
Overall, while international breaks are an unavoidable part of the football calendar, they can have a significant impact on the flow and rhythm of the Premier League season. Teams like Liverpool will need to manage their squad effectively and hope for injury-free returns from international duty to maintain their title challenge.