This study investigated differences in external workload between non-congested and congested weeks among professional Brazilian male soccer players, considering their participation in the previous match. Thirty-six players from the same team were divided into four groups based on their playing time: G1 (>80 min in non-congested and >110 min in congested), G2 (45-80 min in non-congested and 50-110 min in congested), G3 (1-45 min in non-congested and 1-50 min in congested), and G4 (0 min in both non-congested and congested). Weekly workload was measured using Global Positioning System (GPS) devices, tracking metrics such as total distance (TD), high-speed running (HSR), sprint distance (SR), number of sprints, acceleration (ACC), and deceleration (DEC) actions. G1 players showed high external workload during congested weeks. G3 and G4 players exhibited lower distances at high intensity and recorded more ACC but fewer DEC actions in both types of weeks. These findings indicate the need of reevaluating compensatory strategies for G3 and G4 players to manage match demands better. Moreover, specific recovery strategies and proper periodisation are crucial during congested weeks to mitigate fatigue and reduce injury risks for G1 players.
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