Arsenal is set to resume Premier League action with a significantly reduced squad due to a high number of injuries sustained by players during the recent international break. The break, which lasted three weeks, is often a source of frustration for club managers due to the increased risk of player injuries while on national duty.
Top clubs, which typically have more players representing their nations at various levels, are usually the most affected. Arsenal, Liverpool, Manchester City, and Manchester United were among the Premier League teams with the most players involved in international fixtures, including youth levels. Tottenham's players averaged the highest number of minutes played per individual across all international matches during this period.
Arsenal's injury concerns were exacerbated during the break, with potentially six players requiring treatment. Piero Hincapie was sidelined for the entire period. Kai Havertz sustained a hamstring problem while playing for Germany, and Max Dowman, Ezri Konsa, and Martin Odegaard also reported minor issues, though Odegaard managed to return to play for Norway before the end of the break.
Liverpool also faced setbacks, with four key players picking up injuries. Alexander Isak suffered a minor injury while playing for Sweden, and there is hope for his return for Liverpool's match against Manchester City. Cody Gakpo and Milos Kerkez are also doubtful for the same fixture due to injuries sustained on international duty. Jeremy Jacquet, who impressed on his France debut, was ruled out of a recent match with a hamstring strain.
Manchester City has three players dealing with injuries. The most significant concern is Erling Haaland, who appeared to be limping during Norway's match against Portugal. Nico O'Reilly missed several games for England due to a knock, and Rayan Ait-Nouri withdrew from the Algerian squad.
Manchester United also reported several players pulling out of international duty due to existing or new injuries. Marcus Rashford, Kobbie Mainoo, Benjamin Sesko, and Karl Darlow were already dealing with fitness issues. Patrick Dorgu and Noussair Mazraoui have joined them on the injury list. Bruno Fernandes picked up a minor knock with Portugal but returned to play.
Other clubs also reported injuries. Sunderland's concerns include striker Brian Brobbey, who suffered a hamstring problem while playing for the Netherlands, and Dan Ballard, who sustained a similar injury with Northern Ireland.
Despite their players featuring the most, Tottenham was relatively fortunate, losing only one additional player to injury: Jan Paul van Hecke withdrew from Netherlands duty with a foot injury. Pedro Porro was already injured and missed his call-up for Spain.
Chelsea saw two players, Mike Penders and Jamie Gittens, sustain knocks. Cole Palmer and Joao Pedro, despite being called up, missed international duty and are hopeful for a return to club action.
Fulham, Nottingham Forest, and Ipswich emerged as the winners of the international break, as they did not sustain any new player injuries, despite their players featuring heavily.