WSL fans will be left twiddling their thumbs for the next month as the league heads into a four-week hiatus.
However, the official WSL winter break was just six weeks ago – so why is there another one so soon?
The second WSL winter break will allow for cups and international fixtures
While the WSL might be taking a bit of downtime, many of the players won’t have much of a break at all – and that’s because they’ll be straight into Champions League action.
The Arsenal and Manchester United squads will contest the second legs of their Champions League knockout play-off ties on Wednesday 18th and Thursday 19th February against Leuven and Athletico, respectively.
And the clubs not involved in European cup action will be battling it out in the FA Cup fifth round between Saturday 21st and Monday 23rd February. In total, 10 of the 12 top-flight teams will play.
Then it’ll be on to international duty for many players with early March full to the brim with World Cup qualifiers, the Asian Cup, and a plethora of other international fixtures.
What’s the potential impact of another WSL winter break?
Speaking to the BBC, former England defender Anita Asante explained that a month-long pause could hamper many WSL clubs – especially those trying to build momentum and consistency with new and developing squads.
“I think it does [have an impact] because for players and staff it affects consistency that allows them to build from one performance to the next,” she said.
“It’s not to say that players and staff can’t get back to playing quickly, because we’ve seen that the top teams are able to do that,” she continued.
“Their squads have been built and have been together for more than one season – that puts them in a better position. However, if you have a new squad, you don’t want those breaks and pauses in the season.”
When does the WSL winter break come to an end?
The WSL returns on Sunday 15th March, with four tasty fixtures, including the hotly anticipated derby between London City Lionesses and Arsenal.
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