Real Madrid have been suffering cruelly from injuries in the past 12 months, with six anterior cruciate ligament injuries occurring between their first team and Real Madrid Castilla. In addition, Eduardo Camavinga has already been ruled out this season.
Ahead of their longest season yet, which could amount to 72 matches and 11 straight months of competition, Los Blancos are having to take measures to combat the fatigue. According to Marca, after international breaks, those who have been involved in long journeys or particularly intense clashes with their national sides will be given holidays. Their Latin American players will be especially affected by this. In general, Real Madrid plan to give players who are under heavy strain periods of four to five days rest, and that will be seen most clearly after international breaks. The idea being that they will reduce the chances of injury and fatigue.
It is pointed out that Real Sociedad are the first side up after the September international break in Gipuzkoa, Celta Vigo at Balaidos in October, Leganes at Butarque in November, and again Los Pepineros in March at the Santiago Bernabeu. They are all likely to face weakened sides. A slightly different case is Brahim Diaz, who will have the African Cup of Nations in January and February, and is likely to be given a break after his commitments with Morocco too.
Last season the likes of Vinicius Junior, Aurelien Tchouameni and Camavinga all suffered issues in or around international breaks, hindering Carlo Ancelotti during the winter months greatly. Resting players after international breaks is nothing new, but it will be interesting to see if Los Blancos follow through and give players nearly a full week off at various points during the season.
