Source: @Analytics FC
The latest Premier League injuries are bringing several selection dilemmas into focus ahead of this weekend’s fixtures.
Arsenal are dealing with several defensive concerns. William Saliba is out with a lower-back injury, with the latest injury tracker listing an estimated return of 21 November. Cristhian Mosquera and Ben White are both doubts for Saturday’s trip to Brighton, while Piero Hincapié is also being assessed after missing the Carabao Cup win over Ipswich with a muscular problem.
That leaves Mikel Arteta with a defensive selection issue rather than simply one missing player. Saliba’s absence removes one of Arsenal’s established centre-backs, while doubts over Mosquera, White and Hincapié could affect how much continuity Arteta can keep in his back line.
White’s situation is also worth watching after his groin problem forced him off against Sunderland before he missed the Ipswich match. Mosquera is another fitness concern, while Hincapié’s availability is also being monitored. Arsenal’s final defensive selection could therefore only become clear close to kick-off.
Chelsea have a different kind of uncertainty before Friday night’s meeting with Brentford. João Pedro, Reece James and Moisés Caicedo are all being assessed, but none has been ruled out by manager Xabi Alonso.
João Pedro remains in contention after withdrawing from Brazil’s squad with an injury. James is also being monitored after missing the start of training earlier in the week, while Caicedo is getting closer to a return after making only a brief appearance against Brighton before going off injured.
Alonso is expected to make final decisions after Chelsea’s last training session before the match. That means the club’s injury picture currently consists of several fitness calls rather than a list of confirmed absentees.
Aston Villa have a more extensive group of players unavailable. Amadou Onana remains out with a knee injury, with the latest tracker listing an estimated return in June 2027. Leon Goretzka is also unavailable with a knee problem, while Ian Maatsen and Pau Torres are out with ankle and hamstring injuries, respectively.
Maatsen’s absence is a recent blow after he suffered ankle damage against Nottingham Forest. Torres was also forced off in that match with a hamstring problem and is expected to miss further fixtures.
There are also doubts over goalkeeper Marco Bizot and Matty Cash ahead of Saturday’s trip to Tottenham. Cash is being monitored after picking up a muscular issue, while Bizot’s availability is also being assessed.
For Unai Emery, the issue is not simply the number of players unavailable. The concerns are spread across defence and midfield, which could force changes in more than one position. The absences of Torres and Maatsen also reduce Emery’s options in defence, while Cash’s fitness could affect his choices at right-back.
Manchester City have a narrower injury concern ahead of Sunday’s meeting with Sunderland. Jeremy Doku has missed the opening four Premier League games because of a calf problem after suffering the injury around the Community Shield.
Doku is closing in on a return, but his availability for Sunderland remains uncertain. The latest reports list 20 September as his possible return date, making him one to monitor ahead of Sunday’s match.
If Doku is available, Manchester City would have another natural wide option after his extended absence. For now, however, his return should be treated as a possibility rather than a confirmed selection.
You can keep track of the latest Premier League injuries here.
