The Premier League is set to resume this weekend with breath-taking features following the international break which saw nations win and lose.
Players from top clubs are racing back to their respective sides after the World Cup qualifiers as they are faced with tough fixtures come weekend.
Irrespective of the efforts and logistics made by players and various clubs including provision of private jets and any other logistic, clubs are faced with loss of top players due to injury sustained during the international break.
For Arsenal, they are gunned as two first choice centre backs might not be available due to injury. Sead Kolasinac was withdrawn at half time in Bosnia World Cup qualifier match. Shkodran Mustafi could be out for several weeks after getting injured in Germany’s match at the qualifiers.
This development could further necessitate a reshuffle and change in formation ahead of Arsenal match against Watford. Also Striker Alexis Sanchez would have to go through an 11 hours flight and shake off their exit from the World Cup qualifier after a 3-0 defeat to Brazil.
Antonio Conte’s side is not left out of the injury woes as Alvaro Morata already out with injury is joined by sensational N’golo Kante, side-lined owing to a hamstring injury sustained with France. Chelsea winger, Willian will also be subject to a long flight of up to 9400km with little rest before their weekend game against Crystal Palace at the Selhurst Park.
Jurgen Klopp of Liverpool will have much to bite on as Sadio Mane is out for up to six weeks with hamstring just after serving his ban. Also, Coutinho and Firmino would have a long trip of up to 9400km before their game against Manchester United.
Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City though not injury plagued but will have to endure players at risk of fatigue owing to distant journey. Gabriel Jesus, Claudio Bravo, Danilo, Ederson, Fernandihno as well as Otamendi all have flights not less than 10 hours before their match against Stoke City on Saturday. Fabian Delph has however picked up a hamstring injury with England.
Jose Mourinho will have to be creative with his midfield as Fellani pulled his hamstring at Belgium. He is already without Paul Pogba due to injury and his midfield options becoming slimmer.
Antonio Valencia and South American Sergio Romero both have 9200km between them and England. Fellani and Daley Blind are out due to knee and hamstring pull respectively.
However, Tottenham appears to be the only top side without injury scare and long flights owing to players having international break to nurse their previous injuries. Their only worry is Davinson Sanchez who has a long flight ahead of him.
Irrespective of the circumstances with Premier League top clubs, this weekend fixtures promises to be a blockbuster encounter with trying to further improve their performances at the top and fighting to escape impending relegation.
