When you have to play two highly demanding matches every week, the chances of picking up injuries soar. You don’t have to be a doctor or a scientist to realize it. Bayern and France defender Benjamin Pavard laments injuries to his compatriots N’Golo Kante, Paul Pogba and his new Bayern teammate Sadio Mane.Juste pour vous rappeler que sans ce but pavard n’a pas de carrière pic.twitter.com/5UGJ8FM7W6— TB_oxelo23 (@y2378043) November 8, 2022 Speaking to L’Equipe, the 26-year-old right-back said that the sheer number of matches is taking its toll on the players.”They are two vital players for Les Bleus, two players who’ll be missed. But we also have other very successful players at the club and national level, players who we can trust. But for Paul and N’Golo, their injuries show that we are not machines and that the schedule is tough. And Sadio’s injury made us all sad in Munich. But there is still hope that he will play.”##NAJAVA_MECA_6806300##This season started earlier to accommodate the tournament in Qatar. As a result, the break between the two seasons was cut short, cramming many games into the calendar in the run-up to Qatar. For example, UEFA Champions League group stage matches that used to be played from early September until mid-December ended on 2 November this year – increasing the strain further.”Honestly, that’s too much. I told you, we’re not machines. We are human beings… Travelling, rough pitches, back to back matches… It’s not easy. We try to do everything necessary to have the best possible recovery, but I’m not surprised by the injuries. When you see the rhythm, it’s expected.”Just because you’re making good money, doesn’t necessarily mean you’re happy…Although Pavard is currently focused on his national team duty and the attempt to retain the World Cup, he’ll soon have to start thinking about his club career. After four seasons with Bayern, he leaves the door open for a change. His contract with the Bavarians has around 18 more months. After four years at Bayern and another three at Stuttgart, perhaps the time has come to test himself elsewhere.”There were no specific discussions. For now, I’m focused on the World Cup and on being the best I can be at one of the best in the world. I have immense respect for Bayern, I learned there the requirement of a very high level and it is an honor to wear this jersey. I have been in Germany for seven years, I have won everything with the club. I’m not against discovering a new project. Maybe now is the time. Why not discover a new country, a new culture? But the sports project must be interesting.”
