12 October 2026 …
Football calendar: Elite schedule ‘not sustainable’ amid 55-game seasons
But Dr James says the high of playing tens of games per season is only temporary, with the lows risked by increased possibility of injury and constantly having to be switched on to the elite level being far worse.
He says players are turning to coping mechanisms, such as using snus, to stay focused.
“Football still does not really appreciate the recovery needed physically and psychologically,” he said.
“Players
