Just nine games into the season and already we have the second interruption for international football. I find these breaks quite frustrating personally, but not half as much as club managers across the country.
Amid the club versus country drama this week its not hard to feel some sympathy towards Michael Owen. Not so long ago the injury prone striker was the darling of the media, the golden boy of his era. Now he finds himself being criticised from all corners, for allowing himself to get fit in time for an international game!
I can understand the frustrations of his club, who after all pay his wages and it prompts the question. What price international football?
The latest player to be injured whilst on international duty is Liverpool’s Spanish striker Fernando Torres. The big striker tearing a muscle on the training ground yesterday. Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez has already been outspoken after the previous international break this season, frustrated by England’s use of club captain Steven Gerrard while recovering from a broken toe. Torres has been crucial to the Reds explosive start to the season and this is not the news that he will want to hear. Liverpool seem to be suffering most at the moment as Harry Kewell is also recovering from an injury sustained during international duty for Australia in the Asia cup this summer.
Earlier in the week England captain John Terry suffered an injury to his knee, once again during training.
With many Premiership players heading off for the Africa’s cup early next season, Club managers can expect more of the same.
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