Premier League Injury Update Following the International Break as Arsenal and Liverpool Face Challenges

The final international break of the season has wrapped up, leaving Premier League teams with an uninterrupted schedule until May. However, the break has not been without setbacks, as several key players have returned to their clubs nursing injuries.

Many Premier League stars were on international duty, representing their nations in crucial World Cup qualifiers and UEFA Nations League matches. Unfortunately, some players sustained injuries that could keep them sidelined as club football resumes in April, just ahead of a decisive period in the season.

Arsenal has suffered a major injury concern with Riccardo Calafiori, who picked up a knock during Italy’s Nations League encounter against Germany. Meanwhile, Nottingham Forest’s Chris Wood was forced off in New Zealand’s must-win game against New Caledonia, which secured their World Cup spot.

Liverpool’s Ryan Gravenberch and Chelsea’s Cole Palmer had to withdraw from their respective national teams before playing any matches. While their clubs hope the injuries are minor, the full extent of their availability remains uncertain.

Despite these setbacks, some teams have positive news. Several players who have been absent since before the new year are set to make their return in early April, providing much-needed reinforcements. With just nine weeks left in the Premier League season, every team is making crucial decisions regarding their squads, and player fitness is more vital than ever.

Arsenal

Bukayo Saka, who has been sidelined since December following hamstring surgery, is nearing his return. The England international is targeting Arsenal’s Champions League quarterfinal match against Real Madrid on April 8 for his comeback. However, the Gunners will still be without Kai Havertz, Gabriel Jesus, and Takehiro Tomiyasu for the remainder of the season.

Riccardo Calafiori’s knee injury is currently being assessed, and his availability remains uncertain. Jurrien Timber, recovering from a long-term illness, may be fit in time for the club’s upcoming match against Fulham. Meanwhile, Raheem Sterling is set to return after missing the last fixture against Chelsea due to ineligibility.

Aston Villa

Ollie Watkins missed England’s World Cup qualifiers due to a minor knock sustained during Villa’s Champions League victory over Club Brugge. However, he could be fit for the FA Cup match against Preston. Ross Barkley, out since January with calf issues, is also closing in on a return.

Bournemouth

Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola provided an encouraging update, revealing that Julian Araujo and Marcos Senesi are progressing well in their rehabilitation. Both players recently visited a specialist in Finland and have resumed training with the squad.

Chelsea

Enzo Maresca remains hopeful that Cole Palmer will be available for selection after missing England duty with a minor issue. The Chelsea boss acknowledged, “He had a slight problem last week, and then another one during training, but we’re confident he’ll be ready after the break.”

Fulham

The Cottagers have confirmed that Reiss Nelson will miss the rest of the season. However, Sasa Lukic is set to return for the FA Cup clash this weekend following suspension, and Kenny Tete and Harry Wilson are expected to make their comebacks in April.

Liverpool

Ryan Gravenberch was forced to pull out of the Netherlands’ Nations League matches due to a muscle injury but could return for the Merseyside derby against Everton.

Alisson Becker sustained an injury while on duty for Brazil following a collision with Colombia’s Davinson Sanchez, but he is expected to recover in time for the next fixture.

With Trent Alexander-Arnold, Conor Bradley, and Joe Gomez still unavailable, Jarell Quansah is likely to continue at right-back. Arne Slot is hopeful the trio will be back before the season ends, though they are expected to miss a few more weeks.

Manchester City

Rodri remains uncertain for the upcoming fixtures, with his recovery from a muscle injury ongoing. Nathan Ake, another key defensive figure, could also be sidelined for City’s next few matches.

Bernardo Silva, who was restricted to only 18 minutes in City’s last league game, played 120 minutes for Portugal and appears to have regained full fitness.

Goalkeeper Ederson is set to return from an abdominal injury, but John Stones and Manuel Akanji may not be back until late April or early May.

Manchester United

Harry Maguire is edging closer to a return after narrowly missing out on a place in England’s squad. He is expected to be fit for United’s clash with Nottingham Forest on April 1.

Young defender Leny Yoro and midfielder Patrick Dorgu have both recovered from their respective injuries and suspensions. However, Ayden Heaven, who was stretchered off in United’s match against Leicester, may require additional recovery time.

Kobbie Mainoo’s availability remains uncertain, with Ruben Amorim yet to confirm a return date. Luke Shaw and Amad are expected to return before the season concludes, but Lisandro Martinez’s campaign has been cut short due to injury.

Newcastle United

Anthony Gordon missed the Carabao Cup final due to suspension but then sustained an injury while on international duty. National team manager Thomas Tuchel revealed, “He left camp with severe bruising around his hip, and the pain was so intense he struggled to walk.”

The winger’s return date remains unknown, while Sven Botman and Jamaal Lascelles are unlikely to feature again this season due to knee injuries.

Nottingham Forest

Chris Wood suffered a hip injury while playing for New Zealand. He remains under assessment, but early signs suggest that it may not be a long-term issue.

Overall, with the Premier League entering its final stretch, injuries will play a crucial role in determining the fate of many teams. Clubs will need to carefully manage their squads as they push for trophies, European qualification, or survival in the league.