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The September-October international break has taken a heavy toll on some of soccer's biggest names—and their respective clubs—around the world.
The sport's jam-packed schedule is unforgiving, leaving little room for rest and recuperation for players representing elite European sides. Add in international commitments, including an expanded World Cup this summer, and injuries become almost inevitable. At this stage, they're practically expected.
Merging the September and October breaks into a single three-week window was intended to ease the burden on the fall schedule and reduce physical strain on players. Instead, it appears to have made matters worse.
A long list of high-profile players have picked up injuries while away on international duty, leaving clubs anxiously monitoring the condition of their key men.
Manchester United
Manchester United find themselves deep in an injury crisis—the last thing they need after a dismal start to the 2026–27 season. Even before the break began, Marcus Rashford and Kobbie Mainoo withdrew from England's squad, while Benjamin Šeško did the same with Slovenia.
Things deteriorated further for Michael Carrick's side as the break progressed. Portugal manager Jorge Jesus revealed that Bruno Fernandes had been "playing through pain" with a "complicated" injury that ruled him out against Norway.
The midfielder was able to remain with the national team, however, and has since recovered his fitness. Patrick Dorgu was less fortunate, picking up a hamstring injury with Denmark that sent him straight back to Manchester.
Noussair Mazraoui added to the growing injury list after picking up a knock during Morocco's victory over Lesotho. The Red Devils are awaiting further updates on the fullback's condition.
Arsenal
Arsenal were already concerned about Declan Rice's fitness after he withdrew from England's squad ahead of their UEFA Nations League fixtures against Spain, Croatia, and Czechia.
Anxiety at the Emirates intensified when another of Mikel Arteta's key players returned to north London early. Kai Havertz picked up a hamstring problem while on duty with Germany, and his previous injury record makes the setback all the more worrying.
Martin Ødegaard was perhaps slightly more fortunate. The midfielder was spotted limping after a reckless challenge from Portugal's Bernardo Silva and subsequently missed training ahead of Norway's match with Wales. He has, however, remained with the squad—a reassuring sign given the circumstances.
Ezri Konsa finds himself in a comparable situation. The center back was absent from training ahead of England's clash with Czechia and was an unused substitute in the Three Lions' 2–0 victory. The exact nature of his issue remains unclear, but he stayed with the squad and traveled to Croatia.
Real Madrid
The most high-profile name on this list, Kylian Mbappé, appeared to have sustained a serious knee injury while playing for France. The forward, who missed time last season with a comparable problem, managed just 59 minutes of action this break before withdrawing from Les Bleus' squad.
The encouraging news for Real Madrid is that Mbappé seems to have escaped a serious injury and is expected to be available when domestic football resumes.
Ibrahima Konaté is looking at a similar recovery timeline. The defender also sustained a knee injury while with France, though the French Football Federation described the problem as "mild."
Barcelona
Few things strike fear into Barcelona supporters quite like an international window. It seems that every time Raphinha links up with Brazil recently, he comes away with an injury.
The September-October break proved no exception. Raphinha picked up a thigh injury during the Seleção's 4–2 victory over Australia and was sent back to Catalonia early. Given his outstanding form at the start of the season, any setback—however minor—is a significant blow for the reigning Spanish champions.
Eric García also pulled out of international duty after sustaining a knee injury with Spain. The versatile defender appears to have avoided a long-term problem, however, and is using the remainder of the break to work his way back to full fitness.
Liverpool
The last thing Alexander Isak needed was another fitness scare. The Sweden international spent much of his debut season at Anfield sidelined by injury, and he had finally been hitting his stride for both club and country in 2026–27.
However, Isak managed just one appearance for Sweden this window before being sent back to Merseyside with a thigh complaint. While the issue is not considered serious, his injury history means Liverpool will need to handle him with great care.
Andoni Iraola is also dealing with another setback to his attacking options. Cody Gakpo, who had enjoyed an impressive start to the season, suffered an ankle injury during the Netherlands' 2–1 win over Serbia, being forced off the pitch just 17 minutes into the match.
Gakpo subsequently withdrew from international duty and is now undergoing further assessment back at Liverpool. Unlike Isak, the Dutchman is facing a significant period on the sidelines.