The Premier League and the Championship have paused for an international break that is three weeks long — a week more than fans are used to. The change consolidates what were previously two separate windows in September and October into a single, longer slot, meaning domestic football loses three weeks instead of the four it would have lost across two breaks.

For players away on international duty, the calendar is full. But for those left behind, three weeks without competitive football presents a real challenge for managers trying to keep their squads sharp.

Brentford give first-team players a week off

Brentford have one of the longest gaps in this break, having hosted Chelsea on a Friday evening. Boss Keith Andrews has given the approximately 12 remaining first-team players — among them Callum Wilson and Igor Thiago — a full week off, along with individual training programmes. Players are free to travel abroad, though long-haul trips are unlikely to be encouraged.

The squad will regroup on Saturday, 26 September before a behind-closed-doors friendly against another English club on the weekend of 3 October. That game could offer Nathan Collins and Sepp van den Berg valuable minutes on their return from injury, with the squad filled out by under-21 players.

When the second international break arrives in November — with Brentford playing Brighton on 8 November and Everton on 21 November — the approach will be different. There will be no friendly, and players may receive only the occasional day off before the usual pre-match preparation resumes.

Liverpool and Aston Villa take contrasting approaches

Liverpool will continue training with the small group of players remaining at the club, granting a few days off along the way. Manager Andoni Iraola acknowledged he will have