The Premier League has reintroduced the winter break after scrapping last season’s break due to fixtures piling up as a result of COVID-19.
The winter break has been a constant feature in other major European leagues such as La Liga and Serie A, and this led to the Premier League introducing one of their own after complaints from different managers regarding the piling up of fixtures.
After a congested period of Premier League football in December and January, England's top flight League will be heading to a much needed break after this weekend’s fixtures.
Here we round-up everything you need to know about the break.
When is the Premier League winter break?
The winter break will commence on Monday, January 23 and will end on Monday, February 7.
Although no Premier League games are scheduled during the break, the FA Cup fourth round matches will be played on the weekend of the February 5/6.
That means players will only have one weekend off.
Are all Premier League players benefitting from the winter break?
The short answer is no. Not all Premier League players will get to fully enjoy a winter break as international duty will be on the agenda.
Due to the ongoing pandemic affecting the World Cup Qualifiers, there will be matches taking place in the South American (CONMEBOL), North and Central American (CONCACAF), Asian (AFC) and Oceanic (OFC) confederations. Those matches are to take place during the Premier League winter break.
The likes of Chelsea’s Thiago Silva and Tottenham’s Emerson Royal will be on duty with their country Brazil as they look to secure a place in this winter’s World Cup.
The Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) is also going to be ongoing during the winter break, Chelsea’s Edouard Mendy will be looking to go all the way with Senegal.
The final for AFCON will be held in Cameroon on Sunday, February 6.
