The NWSL is back, six days after the Euros final. Are players getting enough rest?

England defender Jess Carter helped the Lionesses win the European Championship last Sunday. Despite widespread celebrations in England, including a parade and royal reception, Carter immediately flew to the United States to rejoin her club, Gotham FC, for the resumption of the NWSL season. Carter stated she felt "itching to get back" and hasn't had time to reflect, explaining that she struggles with taking time off and then restarting, finding it easier to return to football quickly.

The return of international players like Carter to the NWSL after tournaments like the Euros, WAFCON, and Copa América Femenina highlights a growing challenge. With an increasing number of international players in the league and a crowded match calendar, managing player rest is complex. Players returning have no guaranteed time off; any vacation is negotiated individually between the player and their club.

NWSL clubs handle player returns differently, considering factors like minutes played, travel, and mental state after tournament highs and lows. Team medical and performance staff guide these decisions, ideally centered on the player. Examples include Angel City FC allowing Icelandic forward Sveindís Jónsdóttir time off after Iceland's group-stage exit, and the Houston Dash offering players like Bárbara Olivieri and Michelle Alozie a week off after their respective tournaments.

Gotham FC, which had six players involved in the summer competitions (the most of any club), gave all returning players the option for time off, with the duration decided individually. Head coach Juan Carlos Amorós emphasized the importance of players having personal time during the demanding NWSL season.