Xavi calls for single FIFA window to address international player overload

This comes after the recent FIFA break saw 19-year-old rising Spain star Gavi as well as Germany international goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen suffer injuries that are likely to keep them out of key matches heading towards a busy year-end period.

With many other such incidents disrupting other clubs around the world too, the former Barca and La Roja midfielder believes a single, two-month long international window each year could be the best solution for all parties.

"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 told reporters.

"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, and they have not rested.

"And this is the way all the teams are, not [just] us."

Xavi suggested the crowded calendar is one factor behind 19-year-old Gavi's injury.

"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," he noted.

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