After the International Break, Injuries Arise

MANCHESTER, THURSDAY — Almost every time an international break ends, there is almost certainly a key player from several clubs who is injured. Manchester City suffers as Omar Marmoush will be unable to play in the Manchester Derby next weekend after representing Egypt.

The same fate has befallen Paris Saint-Germain. This recurring incident has led PSG to demand some form of transparent medical coordination between the club and the federation.

Marmoush has been confirmed to have sustained a knee injury during the 0-0 draw against Burkina Faso in the ongoing qualification for the 2026 World Cup. The Egyptian national team's doctor stated that Marmoush suffered a bruise on the knee ligament due to a hard tackle. As a result, Marmoush was only able to remain on the field for a few minutes before being substituted.

"The initial results of the scans conducted in Egypt indicate that he will not be available for the Manchester derby on Sunday, and he will now return to Manchester for further assessment and to begin his rehabilitation," according to an official statement released by City on Thursday (11/9/2025) early morning WIB.

Marmoush joined City in the middle of the season and scored eight goals and provided four assists across all competitions. However, he has yet to contribute any goals or assists this season. Marmoush's injury is a significant blow for City, which has already lost Rayan Cherki and Mateo Kovacic. Meanwhile, Phil Foden and Savinho remain doubtful.

Moreover, City's performance at the beginning of this season has not been particularly impressive. They currently occupy the 13th position in the temporary standings of the English League. From three matches, City has only managed to secure one victory.

In addition to City, AS Roma is also without right-back Wesley, who was injured while on international duty with Brazil. According to Sky Sport Italia, Wesley is suffering from inflammation in his left knee, making him doubtful for the Serie A match against Torino next weekend.

Wesley suffered an injury during Brazil's 3-0 victory against Chile. He played the full match and created two opportunities. To prevent his injury from worsening, Brazil's coach Carlo Ancelotti did not play him in the second match against Bolivia.

Brought in from Flamengo this season, Wesley immediately made an instant impact by scoring in his debut match against Bologna. He has consistently received full trust to play from coach Gian Piero Gasperini in both matches this season.

After Wesley's injury, the player most likely to replace him in the match against Torino is Zeki Celik or Devyne Rensch in the 3-4-2-1 formation. In addition to Wesley, Roma has previously lost a new player, Leon Bailey, who suffered a muscle injury during the first training session.

A similar pattern that continues to recur during international breaks has led Paris Saint-Germain to request medical coordination between the club and the federation. Like City and Roma, PSG has also lost two key players, Ousmane Dembele and Desire Doue, who were injured during the international break.

Dembele and Doue were substituted during France's match against Ukraine in the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers. Dembele suffered a hamstring injury and is expected to be sidelined for six weeks. Meanwhile, Doue sustained a calf injury and is anticipated to be out for one month.

The PSG camp believes that the injuries of their two star players could have been avoided if the French national team had adhered to the medical information provided. Before the French national team gathered, the PSG medical staff had prepared a report regarding the acceptable workload for each player and the associated injury risks.

However, the medical report was not fully adhered to by the French national team. PSG expressed regret over this and criticized the lack of medical consultation between the French national team staff and the club.

“(PSG) hopes that this event will pave the way for the establishment of a new formal framework for medical coordination, ensuring systematic, documented, and reciprocal exchanges between the club's medical staff and the national team,” stated PSG on its official website.

In addition to a packed schedule, coordination issues between clubs and federations have hindered efforts to prevent player injuries during each international break. Injuries often occur because players, who have been closely monitored by medical staff and club coaches, suddenly transition to a different environment.

Moving to a different environment also means a change in routine. Therefore, it is not surprising that the risk of injury for players representing their respective national teams has increased. (REUTERS)