The Premier League 2025/26 season returns after the November international break and we now will witness a busy period ahead with games coming thick and fast. With not much to separate teams after 11 matchdays, things can take a topsy turvy ride. Teams will now need to balance it out as they have been dealt with fresh injury blows and some taking longer than expected to return.
On the same note, we decode the latest injury updates amid rising intensity in the Premier League.
Premier League leaders Arsenal suffer major Gabriel blow
Arsenal’s head coach Mikel Arteta confirmed on Friday that defender Gabriel will be unavailable for “weeks” due to a thigh injury sustained during international duty. The 27-year-old Brazilian was forced off in visible discomfort during Brazil’s friendly against Senegal at Emirates Stadium last weekend. He also missed the draw against Tunisia three days later.
“It’s clearly a blow because he’s our leader in our backline and to me it’s never a positive thing,” said Arteta during a press conference. “The good thing is that we have very good options and people have to stand up now and do the job.”
Chelsea’s Cole Palmer suffers new setback
Chelsea’s Cole Palmer is out for another week at least because he fractured his toe when he stubbed it on a door on Wednesday night. He was expected to resume first-team training this week after two months out with a groin injury. And now, the 23-year-old will remain out for slightly longer. He will miss Chelsea’s next three fixtures across all competitions.
“He is probably not available for Saturday for sure, Barcelona for sure or Arsenal for sure,” said Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca at a press conference on Friday.
Sesko to be out for weeks; Maguire and Mainoo out for Manchester United
Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim has revealed Benjamin Sesko’s knee injury will rule him out of action for a few weeks. Sesko sustained the injury after coming on as a substitute in the 2-2 draw with Tottenham Hotspur prior to the international break.
“He’s going to stay a few weeks out. I don’t know how long, but he’s not that serious. We have to be careful with him. He’s going to recover, he’s feeling better. So in a few weeks, I expect to have Ben,” said Amorim to the press on Friday.
Besides Sesko, Manchester United are also set to miss Harry Maguire for their clash against Everton. Kobbie Mainoo hasn’t recovered as well. Lisandro Martinez is training but could take a bit more time as he returns from a long-term injury.
Tottenham get major boost ahead of Arsenal showdown
Tottenham have several issues solved as Pape Matar Sarr, who picked up a knock while playing for Senegal during the international break, trained on Friday and is fit to face the Gunners. Lucas Bergvall is back and available. Randal Kolo Muani suffered a jaw fracture during Tottenham’s 2-2 draw against Manchester United, however, he is free to play with a mask. Spurs could also see the return of Mohammed Kudus who did not feature in the clash against United or either of Ghana’s two matches this month. He trained on Friday.
Massive Muniz blow for Fulham
Fulham boss Marco Silva revealed that Rodrigo Muniz will be out until February. Speaking in his press conference before Fulham‘s clash with Sunderland, Silva announced that Muniz is set to miss the next three months having had surgery.
Pep Guardiola provides positive update with Man City looking sorted
Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola said that everyone in his squad is fit barring Mateo Kovacic and Rodri. “Everybody is fit except Kova and Rodri,” the Spaniard said at his pre-match news conference.
“Rodri is making steps good, it’s almost three weeks since his last setback. He knows he has to take time to recover well mentally and physically and to be consistent from now until the end.”
Liverpool suffer dual injury blows
Liverpool manager Arne Slot said that the likes of Conor Bradley and Florian Wirtz are out injured. Both players are nursing muscle issues. He also said that goalkeeper Alisson Becker is fit and available. However, Liverpool will also be without Jeremie Frimpong.
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