PREMIER LEAGUE
Which Premier League players and teams picked up injuries on international duty?
Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester City were among the clubs to suffer bad luck during the September FIFA window.
Premier League managers, fans and FPL players alike were left cursing their luck as several key players suffered injuries during the September international break, in which the CONMEBOL qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the 2024-25 UEFA Nations League headlined. Arsenal, Manchester City and Liverpool are among those affected.
Arsenal injury update vs Tottenham: Calafiori, Odegaard, Merino...
The Gunners look to have been hit especially hard. First, defender Riccardo Calafiori was forced off with a calf injury in Italy’s win over France and is rated as a doubt for Sunday’s North London derby against Tottenham Hotspur (9am ET).
However, the worst piece of news for Mikel Arteta was the sprained ankle captain Martin Odegaard suffered while playing for Norway against Austria on Monday. The midfielder is expected to be out of action for approximately three weeks, which means he will miss Premier League fixtures against Spurs and Manchester City, as well as the Champions League game versus Atalanta.
Arsenal will also be without the suspended Declan Rice in the derby, while summer signing Mikel Merino isn’t due back from a shoulder injury until after the October international break.
Manchester City injury update vs Brentford: Aké, Foden, Savinho, Bobb...
City have also been dealt a blow, with Nathan Aké close to tears as he was stretchered off in the Netherlands’ draw against Germany on Tuesday. The defender is set for a spell on the sidelines due to a muscle injury, with no timeframe having been given as to when he will be back.
Oscar Bobb remains absent, but Pep Guardiola will hope to have Phil Foden (illness) and Savinho (knee problem) available again to face Brentford at home on Saturday (10am ET).
Liverpool injury update vs Nottingham Forest: Elliot, Mac Allister, Jones, Chiesa...
Liverpool, meanwhile, will be without Harvey Elliot for approximately six weeks after the young midfielder broke his foot in training with the England Under-21 team. Although he only played seven minutes in The Reds’ first three Premier League games, Elliot has been an important squad player in the past and would surely have got more game time with the Champions League getting underway.
Arne Slot’s team host Nottingham Forest on Saturday (10am ET). Fellow midfield duo Alexis Mac Allister and Curtis Jones are hoping to be fit after minor fitness issues, although Federico Chiesa may have to wait to make his debut for the club.
Premier League injury updates: Palmer, Gusto, James, Fernandes
Chelsea duo Cole Palmer and Malo Gusto withdrew from international duty because of injuries. The attacker looks likely to be ready to face Bournemouth on Saturday (3pm ET), although the defender’s chances of playing are slim.
Fellow right-back Reece James has already been ruled out.
Bruno Fernandes should be available to play for Manchester United in Saturday’s away game at Southampton (7:30am ET) despite being seen limping on Portugal’s win over Scotland. “It’s okay. It’s just a little bump,” the 30-year-old said afterwards. Six players, including Luke Shaw, Mason Mount and Rasmus Højlund, are expected to be absent.