If you thought the first segment of the Premier League season was disjointed and lacking intensity because of the World Cup, just wait for the second portion.
With the global players union FIFPRO sending another warning on Tuesday about burnout, stressing that the next month of action in Qatar will “likely increase the risk of muscle injuries and mental stress”, there are already fears across some English clubs that competitive balance could be skewed heading into the new year.
Those with more key players going far in the tournament are left at an obvious disadvantage - even before factoring the expected increase in injuries.
