LaLiga: Single international break can stop players from getting ...

LaLiga: FC Barcelona coach Xavi feels that a single international break in a year can reduce the chances of players getting injured. Xavi's comments come after Barcelona's Gavi was ruled out for the season after an ACL tear.

Xavi wants a revamp of football calendar. (Reuters Photo)

FC Barcelona coach Xavi has called for a revamp in the football calendar to reduce player injuries. Xavi, speaking ahead of Barcelona's match against Rayo Vallecano on Saturday, 25 November, said that player injuries can be reduced if only one international break takes place per season.

The Barcelona manager's comments come after midfielder Gavi was ruled out for the season with an ACL tear during the international break. Barcelona goalkeeper and one of the captains of the team - Marc Andre ter Stegen was also injured in training last week during his time with the national team.

A high load of matches between clubs and national teams has caused many injuries, Xavi told reporters.

"I think FIFA are already considering it... one of the solutions would be nine months in the club and two months in the national team and from there a month of vacation," Xavi said about revamp in the calendar.

Xavi said that there was not enough gap between international matches and the restart of the leagues. Xavi argued that the lack of rest is resulting in fatigue and in turn injuries.

"This way at least so many trips would be avoided. For example, (Uruguay defender) Ronald Araujo or (Brazil forward) Raphinha (had) trips of 13, 14 hours. They came back yesterday, they have not rested," he pointed out the issue.

"And this is the way all the teams are, not (just) us," he added.

The football world has seen multiple injuries since the FIFA World Cup 2022. Xavi was distraught with Gavi's injury and said that the calendar needs to be less demanding.

"Many coaches have said the calendar is very demanding and in this sense I think that is the main reason of Gavi's injury, other than misfortune ... breaking your cruciate ligament is often just a matter of bad luck."

Barcelona, placed third after 13 matches, have not won two league games in a row since September as they seek to close a four-point gap with leaders Girona.