Which Premier League Clubs Could Have Most Absentees For Opening Weekend?
As we say goodbye to the 2026 World Cup, the focus now switches to the start of the Premier League and how many players could miss the first match.
Players who were involved in the final and the 3rd/4th place play-off - or the bronze game, will be afforded some well earned rest after a long and grueling summer representing their countries.
The Premier League kicks off on Friday, August 21, when newly-promoted Coventry City travel to the Emirates, home of the champions Arsenal.
But the Gunners could be missing a number of star players for that game.
Of the 20 clubs currently preparing for the start of the new season, 13 had at least one player involved in the final week of the World Cup, that lasted 39 days - the longest ever.
It was already a long campaign for many players before the biggest World Cup in the history of the tournament, and Arsenal lead the way with the most players in need of a rest that could carry into the new season.
Even if those players have returned to training, their fitness may not be up to the required levels to start the season.
Possible Absentees For Start Of Premier League Season:
Club | Players | Opening game |
Arsenal | 8 | v Coventry |
Aston Villa | 5 | @ Brighton |
Manchester City | 5 | v Bournemouth |
Chelsea | 4 | @ Fulham |
Crystal Palace | 4 | @ Everton |
Manchester United | 3 | @ Hull City |
Tottenham | 3 | @ Brentford |
Brentford | 1 | v Tottenham |
Bournemouth | 1 | @ Man City |
Everton | 1 | v Crystal Palace |
Liverpool | 1 | @ Newcastle |
Newcastle | 1 | v Liverpool |
Nottingham Forest | 1 | v Leeds United |
Champions Could Be Without Eight
Arsenal could be the victims of their own success when the new Premier League season gets under way on Friday, August 21, when they welcome Frank Lampard's Coventry to the Emirates.
Mikel Arteta could be without eight players for the start of their title defence, including goalkeeper David Raya, Mikel Merino and Martin Zubimendi who will all be involved in the team's celebrations, while England's Declan Rice, Bukayo Saka, Noni Madueke and Eberechi Eze could also be given extra time off.
William Saliba could face a lengthy lay-off after picking up an injury in France's 6-4 defeat to England in Miami.
Bournemouth Could Benefit From City's Absentees
Manchester City midfielder Rodri added the World Cup's Golden Ball for the tournament's best player to the Ballon d'Or he won in 2024.
When he returns to club duty, he will do so under a new manager - Enzo Maresca, who will replace Pep Guardiola in the City dug-out.
Maresca could be without five players for their season-opener at home to Bournemouth, including France's Rayan Cherki and England trio Nico O'Reilly, Marc Guehi and James Trafford.
Villa Face Tough Start
It's been a busy summer for Aston Villa manager Unai Emery, who has seen midfielder Youri Tielemans depart for Manchester United, while Morgan Rogers could join Chelsea.
Amadou Onana will be sidelined for several months due to the knee injury he sustained at the World Cup with Belgium, while Argentina goalkeeper Emi Martinez could miss the opening weekend trip to Brighton because of his involvement in the World Cup final.
Ezri Konsa and Lucas Digne played for England and France in the bronze medal play-off game, while Ollie Watkins' future remains uncertain.
Tricky Baptism For New Palace Boss Sage
Pierre Sage has the unenviable task of replacing Crystal Palace's most successful manager Oliver Glasner, who ended the club's drought for a major trophy by winning the FA Cup, which led the Eagles into Europe.
The new man may have to wait to get five World Cup stars back including Yeremy Pino, who picked up a winners' medal, after two appearances against Saudi Arabia and Uruguay.
French pair Jean-Philippe Mateta and Maxence Lacroix both made three appearances in North America, while goalkeeper Dean Henderson conceded four times in his only World Cup game.
Chelsea could be without four players - England duo Reece James and Trevor Chalobah, France's Malo Gusto and Enzo Fernandez, who was sent off in the World Cup final.
Manchester United could be without three players for their trip to Hull City - Lisandro Martinez, who picked up an injury in the final and Kobbie Mainoo, who was injured for England's final match. Marcus Rashford, whose future remains uncertain may also get extended time off.
