No call-up for your country? Time for a real ‘international break’! Stars jet off on holiday with no Premier League games for two weeks… as Thiago Silva returns to Brazil and Loris Karius and his TV host partner head for Dubai
- Stars were keen to make the most of their time off during the international break
- Several players not called up for international duty jetted off for short holidays
- Why has Chris put his Christmas decorations up already (seven trees!)?
Aston Villa defender Ezri Konsa was forced to scrap his plans for a brief holiday after being called up to the England squad for their Euro 2024 qualifiers.
Konsa had been due to travel to Dubai with his partner Ronni for some winter sunshine, allowing the defender time to rest ahead of the busy festive schedule.
The centre back was instead given the call by Gareth Southgate following withdrawals from his squad ahead of matches against North Macedonia and Malta.
While a number of stars have been called up to international duty or have continued training at the clubs, some have been granted a brief break away with no Premier League action for two weeks.
Dubai appears to be the destination of choice with Newcastle goalkeeper Loris Karius among those to have travelled to the United Arab Emirates.
Newcastle goalkeeper Loris Karius was one of the Premier League stars to head off to Dubai
Former Man United midfielder Fred shared a clip of him with his son at Dubai’s Fame Park zoo
Chelsea star Thiago Silva made the most of break with the veteran returning home to Brazil
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Karius and his partner Diletta Leotta, an Italian television host, made the most of their time away with daughter, with the couple having welcomed their first child last year.
Former Manchester United star Fred also travelled to Dubai with his wife Monique Salum and their son Benjamin.
Fred now plays for Turkish side Fenerbahce, who entered the international break top of the Turkish Super Lig.
The midfielder has missed their last two matches through injury, ruling him out of Brazil’s squad for their World Cup qualifiers.
Fred uploaded a video from the controversial Fame Park zoo in Dubai, which has been visited by several footballers in recent years.
The RSPCA has previously criticised the private park with the animal welfare charity warning against the use of wild animals for ‘public entertainment’.
Another Brazilian star Thiago Silva has not featured for his nation since the Qatar 2022 World Cup.
The 39-year-old still remains a crucial part of the Chelsea team despite his advancing years.
Luton midfielder Ross Barkley made the trip across the channel to have a city break in Paris
Silva made the most of his time off by returning to Brazil with his wife Belle Silva to spend time with family and friends.
Luton Town star Ross Barkley kept his break local with the midfielder uploading a picture of him in front of the Eiffel Tower in Paris.
Barkley had spent last season in France with Nice, playing 27 matches during his sole season with the Ligue 1 side.
The 29-year-old will be looking to play a key part in Luton’s survival bid having joined the Premier League new boys in the summer.
The Hatters entered the international break in the relegation zone, three points from safety.
Players will have only a short respite ahead of returning to the clubs to prepare for the resumption of the Premier League season on November 25, ahead of a packed festive period.
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