Pep Guardiola has long been a critic of English football’s crazy non-stop schedule, claiming Christmas could well “kill the players”.
But the Manchester City manager might just have landed a mid-season break for six of his most vital players,.
The international fortnight is regarded by many football fans as a nuisance, an unwelcome interruption to the excitement of the club season.
But with the Blues pursuing an unprecedented Quadruple, Guardiola might well see the upcoming break – which starts after his team’s FA Cup quarter-final at Swansea on Saturday – as a huge bonus.
If Guardiola could have picked a handful of players to be rested for the fortnight, he could hardly have wished for a more suitable group.
Sergio Aguero ’s international exile continues as he has been left out of the Argentina squad for friendly games in Spain and Morocco.
So instead of another couple of games to add to his recent schedule of six starts in three weeks he is almost certain to be given a short sunshine break.
Aymeric Laporte has been City’s defensive constant this season and his brilliant form has not yet forced France head coach Didier Deschamps to revise his refusal to pick him after the defender’s dalliance with Spain.
Unless Deschamps relents, Laporte will also get a break and as one of two City players to have clocked up 35 starts this season, that will also be opportune for Guardiola.
The other City player with 35 starts is Fernandinho, who Guardiola predicted would be fit to return after the internationals. He has fallen off Brazil’s radar, although he has never officially retired, and so should have a week or two of proper rest and rehabilitation.
The worrying prospect of losing their key midfield kingpin at a crucial stage of the season has been turned into a positive, partly by Ilkay Gundogan’s fine form in his place.
David Silva HAS retired from international football, largely so that at moments like this he can recharge his batteries rather than jetting off to Spain or Euro 2020 qualifiers.
His experience and know-how in unlocking tight defences could prove crucial in the run-in.
Belgium have yet to announce their squad, but at the moment it appears unlikely that either Kevin De Bruyne or Vincent Kompany will get the call for games against Russia and Cyprus, another boon for Guardiola.
Guardiola might have liked to see workaholic Bernardo Silva and consistent starters Raheem Sterling and Kyle Walker get a break, but the timing has undoubtedly fallen kindly for him.
Much has been made of the fact that City’s involvement in four competitions has meant their players have piled up the minutes, possibly handing title rivals Liverpool an advantage in a hectic finish to the season.
But Liverpool’s star performers, with the notable exception of Mo Salah – given leave to miss Egypt’s African Nations qualifiers – will all fly out to link up with their national squads.
International breaks – with all their attendant problems of long-haul flights, extra exertions and dodgy pitches – have played a part in title races in the past, and this one could be the same.