Phil Foden was left out of England’s World Cup squad after a disappointing season with Manchester City. The PFA chief executive, Maheta Molango, said Foden’s availability has dropped and his performances have not matched earlier levels. Molango linked the decline to football’s congested calendar, arguing it prioritizes commercial gain over player protection and match quality. Fifpro reported that players struggle to sustain “high-threshold competitive seasons” without injuries or reduced performance. Fifpro data suggested Declan Rice and Virgil van Dijk face higher risk next season due to heavy workloads, with Van Dijk playing all 38 Premier League matches and Rice featuring in 36. Both are expected to play at the expanded 48-team World Cup in high temperatures.
"“The number of games that he's been available for has dropped and, when he has been available, it has not been the version of Phil Foden we saw two years ago,” says Molango. “Unfortunately, he is one of the victims of this crazy calendar that only makes sense for those pursuing commercial gain to the detriment of the quality of the spectacle and the protection of players, who should be football's heritage.”"
"“It's a very sad state of affairs if someone like Phil is not on the pitch because we love players who make us dream and who have pure talent.”"
"Fifpro claim players cannot cope with “high-threshold competitive seasons” year after year without eventually suffering injuries or a decline in performance. Data collected by the organisation indicates Arsenal's England midfielder Declan Rice and Liverpool's Dutch centre-back Virgil van Dijk could be at increased risk of injury or reduced form next season because of their workloads."
"Van Dijk played in all 38 of Liverpool's Premier League games while Rice featured in 36 for Arsenal. Both are set to feature at the expanded 48-team World Cup where matches will also be played in high temperatures."
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