With the final international break of the season done, Premier League clubs are now looking ahead to the run-in with just 10 games left to play in the league.
We have picked the biggest names who are set to return from injury before the end of the season and how they could impact their respective teams’ end to the season…
Arsenal
Players returning: Jurrien Timber, Gabriel Martinelli, Gabriel, Bukayo Saka
The recent international break saw both Gabriel and Gabriel Martinelli miss out for Brazil, and Bukayo Saku cutting short his international duty with England.
Gabriel is managing an Achilles injury and is expected to return for the crunch game against Manchester City this weekend, whereas Martinelli was last spotted on crutches two weeks ago and his return is unknown. As for Saka, he withdrew from the England squad last week, but it was believed to be merely precautionary.
Jurrien Timber, who has been ruled out since August with an ACL injury, could still play a part this season as he was included in their Champions League knockout squad.
Liverpool
Embed from Getty ImagesPlayers returning: Trent Alexander-Arnold, Alisson, Diogo Jota, Curtis Jones, Darwin Nunez, Andrew Robertson, Thiago, Stefan Bajcetic.
Since the turn of the year, Liverpool have been plagued by injuries, but Jurgen Klopp has adapted well to the crisis and has kept Liverpool in the race for the Premier League title.
Trent Alexander-Arnold, Alisson, Diogo Jota and Curtis Jones are expected to return at different stages over the next few weeks which will be a major boost to Liverpool’s quest for more silverware to add to their Carabao Cup.
However for Andrew Robertson, he’s been hit with another setback. Having already missed 18 games for Liverpool through a shoulder injury, the defender was hauled off in Scotland’s game against Northern Ireland on Tuesday after twisting his ankle. The extent of the injury is currently unknown.
Manchester City
Embed from Getty ImagesPlayers returning: Ederson, Kyle Walker, Kevin De Bruyne, Manuel Akanji, John Stones, Matheus Nunes.
Alongside Kevin De Bruyne, Kyle Walker and John Stones are doubts for Sunday’s crunch game with Arsenal after picking up injuries with England.
Ederson had two weeks off after the knock he picked up against Liverpool and he should be back between the sticks on Sunday. Manuel Akanji should be back by the end of the month whereas Matheus Nunes absence will be slightly longer.
City still possess more than enough talent to continue challenging on all three fronts, but the potential absence of Stones, Walker and De Bruyne for Sunday’s game with Arsenal could prove costly for their title aspirations.
Aston Villa
Players returning: Jacob Ramsey, Matty Cash.
The return of Jacob Ramsey and Matty Cash, who both picked up injuries before the international break, will be a major boost for Unai Emery as Aston Villa look to secure Champions League football for next season. As well as their league aspirations, they are also well in with a chance of success in the UEFA Conference League.
Tottenham
Embed from Getty ImagesPlayers returning from injury: Micky Van de Ven
Van de Ven, who has been one of the signings of the season, has been battling injury this season. He picked up a thigh injury against Chelsea back in November, which left him sidelined for two months, and having since returned to action, was injured again during Spurs’ emphatic win at Villa Park before the international break. Ange Postecoglou said he is “pretty certain” Van de Ven would only miss the game against Fulham, with Luton on the weekend his expected return date, however.
Manchester United
Players returning: Casemiro, Jonny Evans, Lisandro Martinez, Luke Shaw, Anthony Martial.
United’s injured players combined have been absent for over 1000 days this season. Casemiro is expected to be back on the weekend after sitting out Brazil’s friendlies and so too is Jonny Evans. Lisandro Martinez – who has missed a total of 32 games already for United this season – is targeting a return in April. He is arguably United’s best defender when fit and could prove crucial as ten Hag’s side chase a Champions League spot. Luke Shaw’s long-term absence has left Unied without a senior left-back with Tyrell Malacia also out.