Medical expert: Jurgen Klopp will love new global overhaul as Liverpool set to reap rewards
Liverpool will likely suffer fewer injuries because of a revamp of the global international calendar set to be ratified by Fifa.
That is the view of injury expert Ben Dinnery, who runs the Premier Injuries site and has a background in medicine and data analysis.
The Daily Mail reported last Thursday (8 April) that Fifa are set to slash the number of international breaks from five to four.
A four-game break will now take place at an unspecified date in early Autumn, in addition to double-headers in November, March, and June.
Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp told The Athletic last November that he “hates” international breaks because of the increased injuries they generate.
And Dinnery suggests that Fifa’s new format could lead to a decrease in the frequency of fatigue-related setbacks.
“This is a step in the right direction,” he told Football Insider‘s Adam Williams.
“The double-headers in themselves are a reduction in the number of fixtures some international teams are playing at the moment.
“There is a lot said about long-haul flights, which can impact players’ domestic games, so a reduction there is good too.
“Fifa need to set a precedent and show they aren’t just talk. But ultimately, it is still a bit of a compromise and money talks.
“The actual number of games itself isn’t a massive issue. The major risk factors are when the fixtures take place and the turnaround between games.
“If there are three or four-game international breaks that lasted longer, that would be better. Ideally, you want at least 72 hours between games.
“It’s also about the post-international recovery period when players return to their clubs.
“So as long as these players are being given the right recovery time under the new measures, I think it is a positive step.”
Liverpool have a clean bill of health ahead of their Champions League quarter-final second leg against Benfica tomorrow (13 April).
Klopp’s side take a 3-1 advantage into the clash at Anfield.
In other news, pundit suggests Liverpool primed for “superstar” exit after source’s Fabio Carvalho reveal.