The upcoming World Cup in Qatar will present some unique challenges for club managers when it is staged during November and December.
It will be the same story for managers on FM 2023, who will have to safely navigate a period where many of their players will be away on international duty.
As highlighted by the latest World Cup odds, clubs that have players from the biggest football nations are likely to be impacted the most.
If your squad is packed with stars from Brazil, France, Spain, Argentina, Germany and some of the other top teams, you may well be pondering what to do at club level.
For managers in the Premier League, the last round of matches before the tournament starts is on the weekend of November 12/13.
Fixtures do not resume until Boxing Day, leaving you with a six-week period where club football is completely suspended.
Deciding what to do with the first-team players not chosen to represent their countries will be crucial if you want to minimise the impact the World Cup has on your club.
The break for the tournament is undoubtedly a good opportunity to give players a couple of weeks rest to recharge their batteries.
You can bring them back in for light training during weeks three and four, before devising a programme to get them back up to match fitness before play club football resumes.
Clubs will be unable to schedule friendlies for the senior team during this period, but you can use your reserve team to get around this.
By allowing first team players to be available for these friendlies, you will ensure they get valuable game time under their belt before the festive fixtures.
It is also imperative to pay heed to what your medical staff tell you during this period to ensure that fitness levels are not impacted too much.
Some players require more intensive training after a break, so make sure that fitness programmes are tailored to individual requirements.
In addition to managing player fitness during Qatar 2022, it is imperative to assign scouts to watch games throughout the tournament.
The World Cup offers players a platform to showcase their talents, and there may be bargains to be had if your scouts are on the ball.
However, bear in mind that some players raise their game at the tournament, so avoid the temptation to be too impulsive if previous form suggests they are a risky purchase.
