Garbett v Bellingham? And why the Kiwi could be in and out of the Peterborough United team this month, plus changes to international breaks
There’s a chance Matt Garbett could be out of the Peterborough United side again...just two weeks after he returns from a long-term foot injury.
The 23 year-old midfielder hasn’t played since an outstanding substitute appearance in the 3-2 home defeat to Huddersfield Town on January 31. He’s missed the last six matches and isn’t expected to play in Saturday’s League One clash with bottom club Port Vale at the Weston Homes Stadium.
Garbett has however been pencilled in to return for the trip to Leyton Orient on March 14. The New Zealand international has scored three League One goals in his first season with Posh and has impressed in general play.
But there is one more international break week to come and it will have an impact on the Posh home game with Mansfield Town on Saturday, March 28. New Zealand, who have qualified for the 2026 World Cup Finals, have games in Auckland against Finland and Chile either side of that date.
New Zealand then complete their World Cup preparations with a game against England in Florida on June 6 so Garbett could line up against Jude Bellingham & co.
No Posh player has ever appeared in the World Cup Finals. New Zealand are in a group with Iran, Egypt and Belgium.
Ireland Under 21s and Wales Under 21s are also in international action at the end of March which could involve Posh centre-backs David Okagbue and George Nevett. If Posh lose three players to call-ups they could postpone the game with Mansfield.
Next season there will no matches from the top two divisions in England across Easter weekend. Both the Premier League and Championship will pause for the March international break.
FIFA confirmed in December the international window will run from March 22 to 30 next season which covers the Easter period. League One and League Two will still hold matches during the period, although these may be postponed due to international call-ups.
FIFA have also confirmed the September and October international breaks have been merged from the start of next season. As a result, nations will now play four matches across two weeks as opposed to the traditional two matches in a week format.
For next season, this will take place between September 21 and October 6 so there will be no Premier League or Championship matches for a fortnight.
Posh have a tough Easter coming up this season with a Good Friday trip to Luton Town followed by a home date with League One leaders Cardiff City on Easter Monday.