#player-fatigue

#player-fatigue

As such, he has played nine consecutive matches, completing the full 90 minutes in eight of them, and did not take part in group training on Friday. The accumulation of minutes is beginning to take its toll, and Flick may decide it's finally time to give the 25-year-old a breather. Another factor behind Kounde's recent dip in sharpness is Lamine Yamal's fitness issues.

Kompany went heavy on changes, including a move back to Nicolas Jackson at striker, which pushed Harry Kane to the No. 10 position. Otherwise, Jonas Urbig started in goal (as expected), while Leon Goretzka (central midfield), Sacha Boey (right-back), and Kim Min-jae (center-back) also returned to the starting XI. The big surprise was Tom Bischof getting the start at left-back.

Honestly, I was gutted that I couldn't go to the Gold Cup. The coaches were all disappointed that I didn't go but ultimately I needed to make that decision for myself because I needed to switch off after a tough season. I needed that time off. Ultimately it was to take that period off then so that I could be in good shape to be able to carry on now the whole season and be able to give my best for club and the national team.

Ramsay insisted he would not be making excuses for his squad despite citing he had seen fatigue within his ranks, following a disappointing 2-1 defeat.

Chelsea's victory in the Club World Cup final highlighted the potential of Cole Palmer and began a busy summer, raising questions about the impact of a compressed schedule.

Brook had scored 157 when he was struck by cramp that ran down the whole right side of his body, and added only one more run before he was dismissed by Akash Deep soon after the second new ball had been taken.