As the Premier League marches into another action-packed weekend, injuries and suspensions are forcing managers to shuffle their squads. High-profile absences, including Liverpool’s Alexis Mac Allister and Manchester City defenders Nathan Ake and Manuel Akanji, are among the key concerns. Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur also face challenges with significant players racing against time to return to fitness. Here’s a detailed look at the team news and updates ahead of the upcoming fixtures.
Mac Allister Out for Liverpool’s Merseyside Derby
Liverpool manager Arne Slot will have to manage without Alexis Mac Allister for Saturday’s highly anticipated Merseyside derby against Everton. The midfielder is serving a one-match suspension after accumulating his fifth yellow card during the thrilling 3-3 draw with Newcastle United earlier this week.
Adding to Liverpool’s woes, Diogo Jota remains a doubt due to an abdominal injury that has sidelined him since October. Federico Chiesa, who has had limited game time since his summer move, is also unlikely to feature. Slot provided an update, saying, “Alisson is not ready but will be soon. Diogo Jota and Federico Chiesa are close. The others are a bit further behind.”
Meanwhile, Everton manager Sean Dyche reported no new injury concerns. However, defender Michael Keane remains doubtful as he recovers from a minor knee ligament injury.
Manchester City Without Ake and Akanji at Palace
Pep Guardiola faces defensive setbacks as Manchester City prepare to face Crystal Palace. Nathan Ake is confirmed to miss the clash due to an injury sustained during the 3-0 victory over Nottingham Forest. Guardiola described Ake’s condition as serious: “It doesn’t look good.”
Manuel Akanji is also a doubt but could return in time for City’s Champions League fixture against Juventus on Wednesday. Phil Foden, who missed the Forest match due to bronchitis, remains unavailable until fully recovered. Key players Mateo Kovacic, John Stones, and long-term absentee Rodri are still sidelined.
Arsenal Hopeful for Gabriel and Calafiori Return
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is optimistic about the potential return of Gabriel Magalhaes and Riccardo Calafiori for Sunday’s encounter against Fulham. Both players missed the Gunners’ midweek victory over Manchester United.
“Gabi was a big risk to play today because he felt something against West Ham,” Arteta said. “Sunday is going to be a possibility with Riccardo as well, let’s see how he reacts.”
Arteta emphasized that final decisions will be made after Saturday’s training session. Fulham, on the other hand, will be without Reiss Nelson, who is ineligible to face his parent club. Nelson is also nursing a hamstring injury.
Tottenham’s Injury Woes Deepen as Chelsea Looms
Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou faces a growing injury list ahead of their critical clash with Chelsea. Defender Ben Davies suffered a hamstring injury during Spurs’ narrow defeat to Bournemouth and is scheduled for a scan.
Cristian Romero, sidelined since November with a toe injury, is expected to resume training. However, key players like Guglielmo Vicario, Richarlison, and Micky van de Ven remain unavailable. Rodrigo Bentancur continues to serve a seven-match domestic suspension.
Chelsea, currently second in the league standings, have their own injury concerns. Wesley Fofana and Reece James remain far from fitness, while Mykhailo Mudryk is out due to illness.
Manchester United Face Forest Without Key Defenders
Manchester United host Nottingham Forest this weekend but will do so without several defenders. Manager Ruben Amorim confirmed that Luke Shaw, Jonny Evans, and Victor Lindelof are unlikely to feature.
On a positive note, Lisandro Martinez and Kobbie Mainoo have returned to training and could be available. United’s recent signing, Leny Yoro, who played his first 30 minutes in the midweek loss to Arsenal, might see more game time.
For Forest, Danilo and Ibrahim Sangare remain sidelined with long-term injuries.
Southampton’s Struggles Continue as They Face Aston Villa
Southampton’s troubles deepen as they prepare for their clash against Aston Villa. Captain Jack Stephens will miss the game after receiving a straight red card for pulling Marc Cucurella’s hair during the heavy loss to Chelsea.
Goalkeepers Aaron Ramsdale and Gavin Bazunu are also unavailable, adding to manager Russell Martin’s headache. The Saints’ injury list includes Paul Onuachu, Adam Lallana, and Will Smallbone, though Flynn Downes and Tyler Dibling will return from suspension.
Aston Villa, meanwhile, remain without Amadou Onana and Jacob Ramsey, who are both nursing injuries.
What’s at Stake
This weekend’s matches are pivotal as teams battle for points in a competitive Premier League season. Leaders Liverpool will look to maintain their position at the top despite missing key players. Manchester City, trailing by a few points, aim to close the gap with a strong performance at Crystal Palace.
Arsenal will hope to build on their recent win over Manchester United as they visit Fulham, while Tottenham face a stern test against high-flying Chelsea. Injuries will undoubtedly play a significant role in shaping the outcomes of these critical fixtures.
As the season progresses, the depth and resilience of squads will be tested. Fans can only wait and see how teams adapt to these challenges and whether injured players can make timely returns to bolster their sides.
