Daniel Farke is urging international bosses not to take liberties with his Norwich City contingent.

The likes of Nelson Oliveira, Marley Watkins and Wes Hoolahan departed for World Cup qualifying duty after injury-hit starts to the Championship campaign.

City have seven players away around Europe over the coming days, but Farke wants them to return unscathed for Birmingham City’s league visit.

“We are not there to control them and I hope the players are not too motivated to take too much risk,” he said. “As a coach you hope there is not too much load on them after a really hard period. I can understand the wishes of the players and the national squad coach. They want to win the games and it is special for the players. A great honour to play for your country. We have to understand that.

“You are always a little concerned when players have some problems and go away with the national squad. Hopefully they are not forced too much. We are in really close chats between the doctors and the national squads. We can speak pretty openly about the topics and any injury worries and what we have in mind.”

Oliveira played the full 90 minutes in the 4-0 hammering at Millwall, after overcoming a groin problem. Farke was powerless to prevent any of his international contingent meeting up with their respective countries, but intends to give the rest of his squad a chance to rest after a gruelling start to the season.

“Nelson was in a really good shape before the groin problems, he has worked hard through pre-season,” said Farke. “It is nearly two years since he was with the national squad. You could feel he was in a good mood and for sure it is extra motivation when they are in the national squad. I think he deserves it.

“It is quite important the players who are here can get a break. First we had pre-season, then this first period has been really intense, not just on the body but the head. I think we will calm down the training over the break. We have to be careful and maybe bring some more fun to the training, not so disciplined and concentrated on the next opponent.

“Maybe two days off at the start of the week and then we begin again in a relaxed condition before we prepare for the next game.”