Across Europe, the international window from 21 September to 6 October will leave two high-profile coaches working with reduced groups. José Mourinho is set to be without 15 players, while Hansi Flick faces an even larger drain on his squad, with 17 men due away on national-team duty.
The interruption places added pressure on the training grounds at a point when clubs would normally seek continuity. Real Madrid and Barcelona are among those affected by the FIFA calendar, with preparations during the fortnight shaped by absences rather than full-squad work.
For Mourinho, the challenge will be maintaining momentum while a substantial section of his players travels across borders for international commitments. Flick’s situation is broader still: 17 absentees means his sessions will have to rely heavily on those not called up, as well as younger players available at the club.
Once the national teams release their players after 6 October, both coaches will hope their internationals return fit and ready for the domestic and continental schedule that follows.
