Injuries are part and parcel of professional sports, but more often players recover after a while and start playing again. However, serious injuries can lead to surgeries and long recovery times for players, sometimes even resulting in them missing entire seasons.
Due to the gruelling football calendar, the 2024/25 Premier League season has seen far more serious injuries than usual due to the increased workload on players. Here, we take a look at the how the Premier League clubs have been impacted by injuries this season.
Arsenal FC
Arsenal have had an unfortunate season in terms of injuries, with many of their big players having had to either undergo surgery or sit aside with a long recovery period.
Below are the players currently out for Arsenal:
Takehiro Tomiyasu (defender)
Bukayo Saka (right-winger)
Gabriel Jesus (forward)
Kai Havertz (centre-forward)
Gabriel Martinelli (left-winger)
With Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus having been ruled out for the season, Arsenal have massive issues up front. With Gabriel Martinelli also ruled out for about a month, the Gunners have fallen behind in the title race, and it’s looking increasingly unlikely they’ll catch up.
With the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 coming up, Arsenal have a very tough road ahead without their first-choice forward line. The return of Saka and Martinelli could boost their chances in the Champions League, but not signing reinforcements in the January transfer window could prove decisive for their Premier League title hopes.
Aston Villa FC
Aston Villa ended qualifying for the Champions League last season, and hence there were massive expectations from them this season. However, they have been inconsistent in the league, currently sitting tenth in the table. Injuries to regular starters have impacted their performances as well.
Below are the players currently out for Villa:
Ross Barkley (midfielder)
Amadou Onana (midfielder)
Kortney Hause (centre-back)
Even though most of their regular starters are back, Villa have suffered major injuries to their crucial players over the course of the season. Captain Tyrone Mings had been on the sidelines for a lengthy spell, case in point.
With the business end of the season approaching, the league being more competitive than previous seasons, and given they have strengthened in January, the team from Birmingham still have a chance to grab a European spot if they can manage to go on a winning run. However, a busy playing schedule could pose a challenge for them, given they’re still alive in the Champions League and the FA Cup.
AFC Bournemouth
The Cherries are another side hit by numerous injuries throughout the season. At one point in January, head coach Andoni Iraola had only 13 squad players to choose from.
Below are the players currently out for Bournemouth:
Enes Ünal (centre-forward)
Marcos Senesi (centre-back)
Julián Araujo (right-back)
Adam Smith (right-back)
James Hill (centre-back)
Bournemouth are currently in seventh position in the league table with European aspirations of their own. Despite the numerous injuries, they have consistently punched above their weight, upsetting top sides like Manchester City, Arsenal, Chelsea, and Manchester United at home this season. They have issues in all areas of the pitch, but with players like Justin Kluivert, Milos Kerkez, Antoine Semenyo, Dean Huijsen, and Ryan Christie performing exceptionally well, Bournemouth have been able to pose a threat to every opponent they have faced.
With a busy schedule ahead of them and important players like Luis Sinisterra and Evanilson coming back, Bournemouth might just be able to maintain their momentum and earn European football for next season.
Brentford FC
Brentford have had their fair share of injuries this season, which has impacted their form. However, most of their first-choice players are now fit and could help them at the back end of the season.
Below are the players currently out for Brentford:
Josh Dasilva (midfielder)
Gustavo Nunes (left-winger)
Igor Thiago (centre-forward)
Rico Henry (left-back)
Sepp van den Berg (centre-back)
Aaron Hickey (right-back)
Brentford have had injuries to other important players over the course of this season, but they have managed to fare well all the same. The recent injury to Sepp van den Berg might prove difficult for them to deal with given his consistency at the back, though the Bees do have experienced backups.
Brighton & Hove Albion FC
The Seagulls started the season well under new head coach Fabian Hürzeler but lost their way in the middle. However, it hasn’t been so much down to injuries as to their topsy-turvy form and tactics.
Below are the players currently out for Brighton:
James Milner (midfielder)
Jason Steele (goalkeeper)
Ferdi Kadioglu (left-back)
Igor (centre-back)
Lewis Dunk (centre-back)
With the exception of Lewis Dunk, Brighton aren’t missing a host of starting players, but in James Milner and Jason Steele they are definitely missing experienced squad players, which could pose a minor problem for them in some match situations.
Chelsea FC
Under new boss Enzo Maresca, Chelsea started the season in unexpected fashion and were just four points off first-placed Liverpool at one point in December. Since then, however, there has been a massive drop-off. Loss of form and injuries to key players have affected this young side.
Below are the players that are currently out for Chelsea:
David Datro Fofana (centre-forward)
Wesley Fofana (centre-back)
Benoît Badiashile (centre-back)
Nicolas Jackson (centre-forward)
Roméo Lavia (midfielder)
Marc Guiu (centre-forward)
Trevoh Chalobah (defender)
Omari Kellyman (midfielder)
Even after spending more than £1 billion on transfers in recent seasons, Chelsea have not performed up to the expected level, ending the past two seasons outside the top four. This season would be considered an abject failure if the Blues fail to qualify for the Champions League.
Indifference in form, coupled with their main striker Nicolas Jackson out until April and crucial players also missing in defence, the going has just got tougher for Chelsea.
Crystal Palace FC
Crystal Palace have had an underwhelming season by their standards but have started to improve in recent weeks.
Below are the players currently out for Palace:
Cheick Doucouré (midfielder)
Chadi Riad (centre-back)
Joel Ward (right-back)
Except for Cheick Doucouré, Palace aren’t missing a regular starter, nor can their poor form in the first part of the season be pinned down to injuries. That said, their recent vein of form could settle them in the top half of the table come Gameweek 38.
Everton FC
Everton didn’t start the season well but have improved massively in the past month or so. Sean Dyche was fired mid-season due to poor performances and former boss David Moyes was brought in at Goodison Park. Since then, their fortunes have changed considerably.
Below are the players currently out for Everton:
Dwight McNeil (midfielder)
Séamus Coleman (right-back)
Chermiti (centre-forward)
Armando Broja (centre-forward)
Dominic Calvert-Lewin (centre-forward)
Iliman Ndiaye (left-winger)
Nathan Patterson (right-back)
Orel Mangala (midfielder)
Everton currently have three regular starters missing due to injuries. Dwight McNeil, Dominic Calvert-Lewin, and Iliman Ndiaye provide a lot of attacking threat for the Toffees. It remains to be seen how they cope with their important players missing during the business end of the season.
Fulham FC
Fulham under Marco Silva have performed quite well this season, getting some really good results against the top sides. A lot of that has been due to most of their players staying fit this season.
Below are the players currently out for Fulham:
Reiss Nelson (right-winger)
Kenny Tete (right-back)
Harry Wilson (right-winger)
Except for Harry Wilson, Fulham really don’t have important players missing. Wilson is an important squad player who has been a super-sub for the Cottagers in many games this season. However, his absence shouldn’t affect their performances much, as they have a lot of quality in their attack.
Ipswich Town FC
Ipswich Town were promoted this season but haven’t really proved themselves against the big boys. Except for two upsets away to Chelsea and Spurs, the Tractor Boys have struggled for results, and their league position shows exactly that.
Below are the players currently out for Ipswich:
Chiedozie Ogbene (right-winger)
Wes Burns (right-winger)
Christian Walton (goalkeeper)
Julio Enciso (midfielder)
Ipswich aren’t really missing many important players due to injuries and still have a chance to stay in the league if they get a string of results. However, their fate now also depends on how teams around them fare.
Leicester City FC
Another promoted side, former Premier League champions no less, Leicester City too haven’t looked up to the level of topflight football and have been struggling massively this season.
Below are the players currently out for Leicester:
Harry Souttar (centre-back)
Issahaku Fatawu (right-winger)
Ricardo Periera (right-back)
The Foxes haven’t had many worrying injuries this season. They have still struggled to beat most teams in the league, looking very susceptible in defence and leaking goals at will.
Liverpool FC
Liverpool have had a bit of fortune with injuries this season as opposed to last season, which saw them struggle with many players out injured in crucial moments. However, this season has been different, and it has shown in their results.
Below are the players currently out for Liverpool:
Joe Gomez (centre-back)
Conor Bradley (right-back)
Tyler Morton (midfielder)
Liverpool had many players out in the early part of the season, with Alisson Becker, Diogo Jota, and Harvey Elliot sitting out for long periods. Defenders Ibrahima Konaté and Trent Alexander-Arnold have also been out for a month, but Liverpool have been able to make do thanks to their tactics and decent squad depth.
The Reds should be able to perform just fine without the players currently out injured, though things may get tricky if they lose Alexander-Arnold at right-back or another defender, with both Gomez and Bradley already on the sidelines.
Manchester City FC
The defending champions have suffered a lot this season, with massive injuries to their players impacting their form and derailing their season.
Below are the players currently out for Man City:
Rodri (midfielder)
Oscar Bobb (right-winger)
Manuel Akanji (centre-back)
John Stones (centre-back)
Jack Grealish (left-winger)
Even though City’s injury concerns have been mostly dealt with (except for Rodri), recurring injuries to Kevin De Bruyne, Nathan Aké, Rúben Dias, and John Stones over the season have also impacted their performances. As a result, they are currently 19 points off the top of the league table and have been knocked out of the Champions League as well.
It’s never easy when teams miss their most influential players who can single-handedly win them games. Their recent thrashing by Arsenal in the league and home losses to Real Madrid and Liverpool have shown they are still off the pace. The PL title race is realistically over for them, but with a strong showing in the remaining games they should be able to secure Champions League football for next season.
Manchester United FC
Man United are having an underwhelming season, lying a lowly 15th in the league table. The Red Devils have had one manager already sacked this season, and his replacement Ruben Amorim hasn’t been able to make any improvements either.
While their earlier performances weren’t down to injuries, United have lately suffered many injuries to several important and in-form players.
Below are the players currently out for Man United:
Lisandro Martínez (centre-back)
Amad Diallo (right-winger)
Kobbie Mainoo (midfielder)
Luke Shaw (left-back)
Mason Mount (midfielder)
Jonny Evans (centre-back)
Toby Collyer (midfielder)
Altay Bayindir (goalkeeper)
Injuries to Amad Diallo, Kobbie Mainoo, Luke Shaw, and Lisandro Martínez have been detrimental to United. Their chances of moving into the top half of the league table might be severely impacted due to important players missing. However, United’s woes aren’t just down to injuries but also tactics, mentality, and form.
Newcastle United FC
Newcastle United have also had their fair share of injuries, leading to inconsistency in form. The Magpies had achieved Champions League football two seasons back. With a decent squad and no distraction of European football, many believed they could achieve the same this season. However, injuries have played a major part in their topsy-turvy season.
Below are the players currently out for Newcastle United:
Jamal Lascelles (centre-back)
Sven Botman (centre-back)
Joelinton (midfielder)
Jamal Lewis (left-back)
Alexander Isak (centre-forward)
Apart from the current absentees, Newcastle also suffered mid-season due to injuries to crucial players, which affected their performances. With injury issues less severe now, Newcastle have shown a decent run of form and are currently sixth in the table, three points off the top four. They have also managed to reach the final of the League Cup.
With their major injury issues behind them and a comparatively easier schedule, Newcastle can go on a run and help themselves to a top-four finish—barring any further injury mishaps, of course.
Nottingham Forest FC
Nottingham Forest have been one of the fortunate teams this season in terms of injuries, with most of their first-team players available for selection. With an experienced head coach in Nuno Espírito Santo, Forest have surprised everyone this season.
Only Carlos Miguel (goalkeeper) is out for Forest at the time of writing due to injury.
With their top players fit this season, Forest have been able to perform beyond expectations, getting results against top teams and proving difficult to beat at home. They still have a top-four finish in their sights, and if they continue to perform well, Champions League football may very well become a reality.
Southampton FC
The return to the Premier League hasn’t been a fairy tale for the Saints this season. Injuries haven’t helped them either, but their abysmal performances have been more due to tactical issues and not being up to the level rather than injuries.
Below are the players currently out for Southampton:
Ryan Fraser (left-winger)
Adam Lallana (midfielder)
Jan Bednarek (centre-back)
Ross Stewart (centre-forward)
Juan Larios (left-back)
Except for Jan Bednarek, the other players aren’t really regular starters for Southampton, though Ryan Fraser and Adam Lallana are experienced players who can affect games off the bench and are thus a big miss. However, considering their league position, Southampton look certain for the drop regardless of player availability.
Tottenham Hotspur FC
Tottenham Hotspur have had a nightmare of a season when it comes to injuries. They started the season quite well, but things quickly went south due to massive injury layoffs. At a certain point, Spurs had their complete defence out injured except for Pedro Porro. Even a few of their substitutes also got injured in the following games.
Below are the players currently out for Spurs:
Cristian Romero (centre-back)
Radu Dragusin (centre-back)
Dominic Solanke (centre-forward)
Mickey van de Ven (centre-back)
Richarlison (forward)
Spurs have been very unfortunate with injuries to important players, and it has completely derailed their season. Some of the players have returned, though, and could help them improve their position in the final stretch of the season.
Spurs are still in with a chance in the Europa League and have picked up some form of late. If they are to salvage this season, they’ll need as many hands on deck as possible.
West Ham United FC
The Hammers are another side that have performed below standards this season. They were believed to have strengthened considerably in the summer transfer window, but the results didn’t follow on the pitch. West Ham are firmly in the bottom half of the table, and injuries haven’t helped them either.
Below are the players currently out for West Ham:
Michail Antonio (forward)
Crysensio Summerville (left-winger)
Niclas Füllkrug (centre-forward)
Vladimír Coufal (right-back)
Lucas Paquetá (midfielder)
Most of these are important players, but except for Michail Antonio (injured in a terrible car accident), the other injuries have come about fairly recently. Their sub-par performances have been down to tactical issues as well. The consequential managerial change may help them avoid relegation this season, but in terms of performances they are still leaving a fair bit to be desired.
Wolverhampton Wanderers FC
Wolves have been woeful this season and are currently barely above the relegation zone. For a team boasting serious talent, they have been surprisingly dismal. The initial part of the season under Gary O’Neil saw them implode, but the introduction of Vítor Pereira hasn’t changed things for the better too much.
Below are the players currently out for Wolves:
Sasa Kalajdzic (centre-forward)
Enso González (left-winger)
Yerson Mosquera (centre-back)
Rodrigo Gomes (midfielder)
Hee-chan Hwang (centre-forward)
Gonçalo Guedes (left-winger)
Emmanuel Agbadou (centre-back)
This may look like a long list of injuries, but only a handful of these players are regular starters and most of these injuries layoffs are fairly recent.
Wolves’ issues this season go beyond injuries. They have been underperforming since the start of the season, and even though they have strung up a few decent runs in the middle, they remain far too inconsistent. These recent injuries could prove detrimental to their survival efforts, however, especially if their form does not pick up.
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