The final international break of the season has concluded, leaving Premier League clubs with a continuous run of fixtures until May. However, this period has not been without complications, as several key players have returned to their clubs nursing injuries sustained while representing their national teams. With club football resuming in April, these setbacks could impact team performances in the crucial final weeks of the season.
Numerous Premier League players participated in World Cup qualifiers and UEFA Nations League matches, but unfortunately, some suffered injuries. Arsenal, for example, faces a major concern with Riccardo Calafiori, who picked up a knock during Italy’s clash with Germany. Nottingham Forest’s Chris Wood was forced off the field in New Zealand’s decisive victory over New Caledonia, which secured their World Cup spot. Meanwhile, Liverpool’s Ryan Gravenberch and Chelsea’s Cole Palmer had to withdraw from international duty before even playing. Their clubs remain hopeful that these injuries are minor, but their availability remains uncertain.
Despite these injury worries, some teams have received positive updates. Several players who have been absent since the start of the year are on track to return in early April, providing much-needed reinforcements. With just nine weeks remaining in the Premier League season, every club faces tough decisions regarding squad rotations, and player fitness has become more crucial than ever. Arsenal is one of the teams navigating a difficult period, with Bukayo Saka edging closer to a return after hamstring surgery in December. He is aiming to be fit for Arsenal’s Champions League quarterfinal against Real Madrid on April 8. However, Kai Havertz, Gabriel Jesus, and Takehiro Tomiyasu remain sidelined for the rest of the season.
At Aston Villa, Ollie Watkins missed England’s World Cup qualifiers after sustaining a knock during Villa’s Champions League triumph over Club Brugge, but he could recover in time for the FA Cup match against Preston. Ross Barkley, out since January with calf issues, is also nearing a return. Meanwhile, Bournemouth’s Julian Araujo and Marcos Senesi are progressing well in rehabilitation after visiting a specialist in Finland and have resumed training.
Chelsea remains hopeful that Cole Palmer will be available after he missed England duty due to a minor issue. Manager Enzo Maresca confirmed that Palmer had experienced slight problems in training but is optimistic about his return after the break. Fulham has confirmed that Reiss Nelson will miss the remainder of the season, but Sasa Lukic, Kenny Tete, and Harry Wilson are expected to return in April.
Liverpool also faces concerns, with Ryan Gravenberch withdrawing from the Netherlands’ Nations League matches due to a muscle injury. However, he could return for the Merseyside derby against Everton. Goalkeeper Alisson Becker picked up an injury while playing for Brazil but is expected to recover in time for Liverpool’s next game. The team is still missing Trent Alexander-Arnold, Conor Bradley, and Joe Gomez, meaning Jarell Quansah will likely continue at right-back.
At Manchester City, Rodri’s availability remains uncertain as he continues to recover from a muscle injury. Nathan Ake is also a doubt for upcoming matches. However, Bernardo Silva appears to have regained full fitness after playing 120 minutes for Portugal. Ederson is set to return from an abdominal injury, while John Stones and Manuel Akanji are not expected back until late April or early May.
Manchester United is also dealing with injury setbacks. Harry Maguire, who narrowly missed selection for England, is closing in on a return and could be fit for United’s match against Nottingham Forest on April 1. Young defender Leny Yoro and midfielder Patrick Dorgu have recovered, but Ayden Heaven may need additional recovery time. Kobbie Mainoo’s return date remains uncertain, while Luke Shaw and Amad should be available before the season ends. However, Lisandro Martinez’s campaign has been cut short due to injury.
Newcastle United faces further issues, with Anthony Gordon missing the Carabao Cup final due to suspension before picking up an injury while on international duty. The severity of his injury remains unclear, while Sven Botman and Jamaal Lascelles are unlikely to return this season due to knee problems. Nottingham Forest’s Chris Wood is also undergoing assessment for a hip injury but is not expected to face a lengthy absence. As the Premier League heads into its final stretch, injuries could significantly influence title races, European qualification battles, and relegation fights, forcing clubs to carefully manage their squads in the coming weeks.
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