Rodri, Dani Carvajal, Kevin De Bruyne: Injury haunts players against new schedule

Dani Carvajal’s ACL tear has ruled him out for most of the 2024-25 season, adding his name to the growing list of footballers sidelined by serious injuries in the midst of an overpacked football calendar.

The Real Madrid defender sustained his injury during a La Liga clash against Villarreal, where he had to be stretchered off the pitch. His injury mirrors a troubling trend among elite players who have voiced concerns about the gruelling match schedule, only to suffer significant physical setbacks.

Manchester City stars Kevin De Bruyne and Rodri, who both previously expressed frustration over the increasingly congested calendar, have also faced similar fates. De Bruyne is recovering from an injury that has sidelined him for a lengthy period, whileRodri is expected to miss the entire 2024-25 season.These players have been vocal about how the relentless match schedule leaves little room for recovery and increases the likelihood of injuries.

Teams like Real Madrid and Manchester City are especially affected, often playing upwards of 80 matches in a single season. Beyond domestic league competitions, they participate in expanded formats of the UEFA Champions League, while players are also called upon for the UEFA Nations League, FIFA Club World Cup, international friendlies, and FIFA World Cup qualifiers. This exhaustive lineup leaves players with minimal recovery time, putting their physical and mental well-being at risk.

Several prominent players, including Jules Kounde and Dani Carvajal, have discussed the possibility of going on strike as a form of protest against the packed schedule. They argue that football’s governing bodies, particularly FIFA and UEFA, are more focused on profit than on ensuring player welfare.

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