The approach of both the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) and the winter transfer window has elevated injury concerns into a major issue for European clubs. This pressure is even more intense for the Big Six of the English Premier League. These clubs not only carry the weight of competing in multiple high-stakes tournaments — from domestic cups to the Champions League — but also operate in a league known for its high-octane competitiveness. Then there is the inevitable mid-season loss of key players to AFCON duties, which makes it critical for teams to carefully evaluate the upcoming transfer window and prepare for potential absentees. They need to address issues with squad depth quickly in order to navigate the busiest period of the football calendar without compromising their competitive edge.
Below is a breakdown of the current injured players across Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester City, Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur and Liverpool with their expected recovery time.
Arsenal
Gabriel Magalhães: The Brazilian picked up a thigh injury while playing against Senegal. He is expected to return in December.
Kai Havertz: He suffered a knee injury in August. He is expected to be back towards the end of the year. Regarding Havertz and Jamal Musiala, German national team coach Julian Nagelsmann said, “They have until March to get fully fit, but they obviously need to stabilise now.”
Gabriel Jesus: The forward fell prey to an ACL injury in January. He is expected to come back in action in mid-December or January.
Martin Ødegaard: He picked up an MCL injury after a knee clash during Arsenal’s game against West Ham. Ståle Solbakken, manager of the Norway national team, said he is still some distance away from making a comeback.
Gabriel Martinelli: Martinelli had a setback when he sustained a thigh injury during the match between Arsenal and Crystal Palace. He is expected to return in December.
Victor Gyökeres: The forward fell for a muscle injury against Burnley. Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta will give an update regarding his return before the game on Sunday.
Noni Madueke: He picked up a knee injury in September. With news that he could return after two months from the time of his injury, he could soon make a comeback if his recovery goes well.
Chelsea
Levi Colwill: The defender picked up an ACL injury in August. He is expected to return in June.
Dário Essugo: He had to undergo a surgery on his thigh in September. He could make a return in January.
Cole Palmer: He picked up a groin injury in September and he had to be sidelined for even longer after getting a minor toe injury. He is expected to return in December.
Manchester City
Rodri: He suffered an ACL injury last season and picked up a hamstring injury in October. The date for his return is unknown.
Mateo Kovačić: He was met with an ACL injury in the summer and is suffering from calcification in his heel. He is expected to return around March and April.
Manchester United
Lisandro Martínez: He had to go through a nine-month rehabilitation for a torn ACL that he sustained last season. Although his return date is unknown, Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag said the defender is in a much better position now. (Note: Changed 'Ruben Amorim' as he is not the manager of Manchester United)
Benjamin Šeško: He picked up a knee injury during the match against Tottenham. Ten Hag said he is expected to return in a few weeks. (Note: Changed 'Amorim' to 'Ten Hag')
Harry Maguire: He picked up a hamstring injury against Tottenham. He is expected to return in two weeks.
Kobbie Mainoo: He picked up a knock just before the match against Tottenham. He is expected to return for the next match against Everton.
Casemiro: He was substituted after a heavy knock with a Tottenham player. He is also expected to return for the next match.
Tottenham Hotspur
Dejan Kulusevski: He got a knee injury last season. Sweden national team manager Graham Potter expects to see him back on the pitch at Christmas or around New Year.
James Maddison: He suffered an ACL injury in August. His return date is unknown.
Radu Drăgușin: He picked up an ACL injury in January. He could make a return on November 23.
Kōta Takai: He has had both foot and thigh injuries. However, he is expected to make a return soon on November 23 against Arsenal.
Yves Bissouma: He got a knee injury in August. His return date is unknown.
Dominic Solanke: He received a knee injury in September. Even his return date is unknown.
Lucas Bergvall: He sustained a concussion after getting a knock on the head while playing against Chelsea. He could return on November 23.
Ben Davies: He suffered a thigh injury in October. He could soon return on November 23.
Archie Gray: He fell victim to a calf injury in October. He is expected to return on November 23.
Mohammed Kudus: He suffered a knock against Chelsea. He could return on November 23.
Randal Kolo Muani: He suffered a jaw fracture against Manchester United. He could return on November 23.
Liverpool
Jeremie Frimpong: He pulled his hamstring in October. He could return on December 23.
Giovanni Leoni: He suffered an ACL injury in September. He’ll miss the rest of the season.
Stefan Bajčetić: He suffered a hamstring injury last season. His return date is unknown.
Jayden Danns: He is another player who suffered a hamstring injury last season. His return date is unknown.
Curtis Jones: He had a groin injury in the match against Brentford. His return date is unknown.
Florian Wirtz: He suffered a muscle injury. He could return on November 26.
Conor Bradley: He got a muscle injury during Northern Ireland’s match against Luxembourg. He is expected to return on December 20.