Several notable English Premier League players will be absent from the season opener due to several factors, especially; fitness issues and injuries.
The 2024/25 Premier League campaign commenced on Friday, August 16, 2024, with Manchester United submerging Fulham 1-0 at Old Trafford.
Top Ten English Premier League Players Who Will Miss Season Opener Due To Fitness Issues Or Injuries
That game also witnessed the absence of some well-known players due to injuries and fitness problems, namely; Luke Shaw, Rasmus Hojlund, and Jadon Sancho.
Shaw is currently nursing a Calf injury and he is expected to be unavailable for action until September 2024.
Hojlund also missed the season opener due to a hamstring injury, which he picked up during a pre-season clash with Arsenal on July 28, 2024.
Shockingly, Sancho was absent from the league opener, and he was a noticeable omission from the match-day squad.
Jadon Sancho didn’t feature for Manchester United against Fulham partly due to an ear infection.
Moreover, Tyrell Malacia, Victor Lindelof, and Leny Yoro were also unavailable for selection, as they are currently recovering from injuries.
Arsenal will be without the services of Fabio Vieira, Takehiro Tomiyasu, and Kieran Tierney for their opening league clash against Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Vieira is dealing with a hip injury and will likely play no part in the game, while Kieran Tierney, who is expected to return in September 2024, is battling a thigh issue.
Takehiro Tomiyasu will not feature in the encounter against Wolves, as he is currently nursing a knee injury, and should be back from the layoff in September 2024.
Everton captain Seamus Coleman will also not start the season with the Toffees, as he hasn’t shrugged off a calf injury, which he sustained during pre-season.
Aston Villa duo of Boubacar Kamara and Tyrone Mings are dealing with knee and cruciate ligament injuries respectively and are expected to return to action in October 2024.
Chelsea Thankful, But Not Totally Thankful To Their Stars
It appears Chelsea can thank their lucky stars this campaign, as they aren’t battling with many injury issues.
However, captain Reece James is battling a hamstring problem, and he is a big blow for the Stamford Bridge outfit.
James would have missed the opener though, having been suspended for four games after he was shown a red card for violent conduct in Chelsea’s 2-1 win over Brighton last season.
Reece James is expected to be out of action until September 2024, due to the hamstring injury.
Manchester City suffered a huge blow over the week after it was revealed that midfielder Oscar Bobb had fractured a bone in his leg and has been ruled out of action at least until January 2025.
Rodri is also nursing a leg injury and his return period has been set for September 2024, meaning he will miss their opening league game against the Blues.
Southampton’s Adam Lallana also suffered a muscle injury during pre-season training with the Saints and he will be absent from their opening battle with Newcastle United.
Jarrad Branthwaite, who has been heavily linked with a possible summer move to Manchester United also has a groin issue and will be out of action until September 2024.
Branthwaite’s reported move to the Red Devils will likely not materialize, as the Old Trafford giants have secured the services of Highly-rated central defender Matthijs de Ligt from Ajax.
Meanwhile, West Ham United are also sweating over the fitness of Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Kurt Zouma, and Edson Alvarez for their season opener against Aston Villa.
Top Ten Players Who Will Miss Season Opener Due To Fitness Issues Or Injuries
10) Seamus Coleman – Everton/Ireland
Nature of injury: Calf injury
Return period: Late August 2024
9) Adam Lallana – Southampton/England
Nature of injury: Muscle injury
Return period: Early September 2024
8) Jarrad Branthwaite – Everton/England
Nature of injury: Groin injury
Return period: Mid September 2024
7) Takehiro Tomiyasu – Arsenal/Japan
Nature of injury: Knee injury
Return period: Mid September 2024
6) Tyrone Mings – Aston Villa/England
Nature of injury: Cruciate ligament injury
Return period: Mid October 2024
5) Luke Shaw – Manchester United/England
Nature of injury: Calf injury
Return period: Mid September 2024
4) Reece James – Chelsea/England
Nature of injury: Hamstring injury
Return period: Mid September 2024
3) Jadon Sancho – Manchester United/England
Nature of injury: Ear Infection
Return period: Upcoming match (August 24, 2024)
2) Rasmus Højlund – Manchester United/Denmark
Nature of injury: Hamstring injury
Return period: Mid September 2024
1) Rodri – Manchester City/Spain
Nature of injury: Leg injury
Return period: Early September 2024
