Liverpool and Arsenal endure damage setbacks as gamers return from worldwide break
Arsenal and Liverpool were dealt fresh injury blows during the international break as a handful of Premier League stars returned from playing for their countries with new injury concerns
Arsenal and Liverpool have been dealt fresh injury blows following the international break.
The last international break of the season has passed with clubs and players now focusing on the final run-in. However, several Premier League stars have returned with fresh setbacks that could sideline them when league games resume in April following this weekend’s FA Cup fixtures.
Arsenal’s Riccardo Calafiori suffered a nasty-looking injury towards the end of Italy’s Nations League game against Germany, while Nottingham Forest’s Chris Wood hobbled off in New Zealand’s win over New Caledonia, which secured the All Whites’ World Cup qualification.
Others, including Ryan Gravenberch and Cole Palmer, withdrew from their national squads before even kicking a ball in concerns for their respective clubs, with Liverpool’s ascent to the Premier League title and Chelsea’s Champions League hopes hoping not to be damaged.
In good news for Arsenal, Bukayo Saka is eyeing a comeback, with it reported that the England star has set his sights on the April 8 clash with Real Madrid for his return to action. However, some of his teammates will not be available.
Kai Havertz, Gabriel Jesus and Takehiro Tomiyasu are ruled out for the rest of the season, while Calafiori’s return remains uncertain with the defender undergoing tests.
The Gunners could see Jurrien Timber back against Fulham after recovering from illness, and Raheem Sterling is also available, having sat out the previous match against his parent club Chelsea due to eligibility rules.
Meanwhile, Liverpool’s Gravenberch missed the Netherlands’ Nations League fixtures against Spain due to injury but may be fit to face Everton.
Alisson is also likely to be ready despite suffering an injury in a collision with Colombia’s Davinson Sanchez while playing for Brazil.
With Trent Alexander-Arnold, Conor Bradley, and Joe Gomez all still unavailable, Jarell Quansah might have to continue at right-back in the derby.
Arne Slot anticipates their comeback before the end of the season, although they are still a few weeks from returning.
