The October international break is nearing and the crucial World Cup qualifiers are about to be played. Football fans all over the globe are excited about their chances of reaching the final tournament in Russia next summer.
That also means football clubs will have to part ways with some of their players while they are on duty. Manchester United will, for example, see four of their English players leave on international duty for their matches against Slovenia and Lithuania. However, one Manchester United player in particular will stay in Manchester.
Anthony Martial did not get a call-up for October international matches from his national team coach Didier Deschamps. The French football legend chose players like Dimitri Payet and Florian Thauvin before the Manchester United player.
Martial Getting A Deserved Rest
And that is not necessarily a bad thing. Well, for Manchester United that is. Every player usually has great eagerness to play for national team and represent his country on the biggest stage. Martial did not get a call-up and will have to wait for another opportunity.
He is in great form this season, scoring five goals and assisting another four. Martial was even seldom a first choice option but has proved him very valuable to his club. After a stormy performance in Moscow on Wednesday, he limped off the pitch after a minor injury. Mourinho confirmed on Friday he will be ready for the Saturday match against Crystal Palace, but Martial anyway needs some rest.
This is not about him playing too much, obviously. It is more about Martial fully recuperating after a minor injury. Though he is fit for the Palace match, it is always good not to push yourself too hard. If he was to play another two matches in next seven days with France, he would probably come back to Manchester mentally exhausted. And that is always a good foundation for getting injured.
Staying Fresh For Important Matches
This way, Martial will stay in Manchester and prepare for the coming challenges. After a great September, the Frenchman will stay at Carrington to get some rest and fully prepare himself for the big derby.
Manchester United will play their first match after the break against Liverpool at Old Trafford and having fresh players will be important. Many players come back from the international break exhausted and do not perform on the first weekend as well as they usually do. Especially since many of these will players will probably book their places at World Cup and celebrations will also take place.
Having a player to stay in Manchester and work with the rest of the team could prove important for Jose Mourinho.
Working More Closely With Mourinho
Martial will also get more time work closely with the manager. Not that they do not work anyways, yet this time Mourinho will have the chance to dedicate more time to every player. Many of them will not be at the club. In September there were 16 internationals, and Martial could benefit from that now.
Mourinho will have more time to work with him and improve details in his game. Martial is still a young player and still has a lot to learn. This international break could give him a good base for more great performances. If that happens, it will be hard for Deschamps not to get Martial on the plane to Russia next year.
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