The international fixtures caused plenty of carnage as far as injury and fitness problems are concerned, and many of the Premier League’s 20 clubs have been affected in some way.
So there’s some interesting selection dilemmas for the managers this week – as well as folks placing their bets and/or tweaking their fantasy league teams!
Here’s the latest Premier League injury news:
Arsenal vs Tottenham (Saturday, 12:30pm)
Shkodran Mustafi is rated as 50/50 to take his place in an Arsenal back three shorn of Rob Holding, who is definitely out after straining his quad. Alex Iwobi returned late from his international duties with Nigeria, and he may be left on the bench accordingly by Arsene Wenger. Olivier Giroud has hurt his thigh and is another needing to pass a late fitness test.
Tottenham fans can rejoice with the news that Harry Kane, Dele Alli and Harry Winks have all been passed fit after twinges forced them to withdraw from the England squad. Hugo Lloris will also return, although Toby Alderweireld’s thigh problem will keep him out until the new year.
Bournemouth vs Huddersfield (Saturday, 3pm)
Benik Afobe should be fit enough to offer Eddie Howe a selection dilemma in attack, with Josh King and Jermain Defoe also vying for a place in his starting eleven. Junior Stanislas will miss out though, and Adam Federici, Brad Smith and Tyrone Mings won’t return before Christmas.
Christopher Schindler (suspended) and Kasey Palmer (hamstring) will be forced to watch their Huddersfield teammates from the stands on Saturday, and while Scott Malone has been passed fit the Terriers face a race against time to get Aaron Mooy, who was playing in Australia as recently as Wednesday, back in contention.
Burnley vs Swansea (Saturday, 3pm)
Chris Wood and Nahki Wells will need to pass late fitness tests if they are to lead the line for Burnley, who also have Tom Heaton (shoulder), Jonathan Walters (knee) and Dean Marney (knee) on the long-term absentee list.
Swansea should be able to welcome back the trio of Renato Sanches, Wilfried Bony and Angel Rangel for Saturday’s trip north, while Kyle Bartley’s rehabilitation has advanced to the point where he could return in December.
Crystal Palace vs Everton (Saturday, 3pm)
Christian Benteke will make his long-awaited return for the Eagles, while Ruben Loftus-Cheek will be assessed after picking up a back injury while on duty with England. Patrick van Aanholt and Chung Yong-Lee remain sidelined.
It’s been a tough time on and off the field for Everton, and their woes will not be aided by the following list of absentees for this trip to London: Tom Davies, Cuco Martina, James McCarthy, Ross Barkley, Seamus Coleman, Yannick Bolasie and Bruno Funes-Mori.
Leicester vs Manchester City (Saturday, 3pm)
Vicente Iborra picked up an ankle injury against Stoke last time out, and the prognosis is not good for the Spaniard ahead of this game with Manchester City. He is likely to join Robert Huth and Matty James watching on from the stands, although Ben Chilwell could be fit enough to take his place on the left hand side.
The Citizens will be without a trio of defenders in Vincent Kompany (calf), Benjamin Mendy (knee) and Nicolas Otamendi (suspended), while Raheem Sterling (back) and Fabian Delph (calf) are rated as 50/50 chances to take to the field on Saturday. Sergio Aguero, who fainted mid-match while playing for Argentina, has been given the all-clear by medics.
Liverpool vs Southampton (Saturday, 3pm)
Sadio Mane suffered a recurrence of his hamstring injury while representing Senegal last week, although he is back in training and in contention to face his old club. Adam Lallana could also return against the Saints but from the bench only, while Jordan Henderson is unlikely to be risked ahead of a Champions League gameweek.
The Saints have been rather fortunate with injuries all season truth be told, and currently only Jeremy Pied and Mario Lemina are absent.
West Brom vs Chelsea (Saturday, 3pm)
Nacer Chadli has picked up yet another injury, to the frustration of Tony Pulis, and will miss the next couple of West Brom fixtures. Craig Dawson and James Morrison are out until Christmas, while Oliver Burke is slowly working his way back to full fitness.
Tiemoue Bakayoko and David Luiz – dropped for the Manchester United game of course – should be fit to take their place in Antonio Conte’s squad (if selected), although a decision on decision on Eden Hazard will be made on Saturday. Victor Moses could return next week, while Michy Batshuayi faces a fortnight or so on the sidelines with an ankle injury.
Manchester United vs Newcastle (Saturday, 5:30pm)
Jose Mourinho has confirmed that Phil Jones will not be available on Saturday, while this Newcastle game has come a week too early in the recovery of Paul Pogba and Michael Carrick.
The Magpies will miss skipper Jamaal Lascelles this week, and he joins fellow key men Mikel Merino (back) and Christian Atsu (thigh) on the sidelines.
Watford vs West Ham (Sunday, 4pm)
Nathaniel Chalobah and Craig Cathcart remain out for Watford, although the good news is that Heurelho Gomes, Robert Peyrera, Sebastian Prodl and Younes Kaboul could take their places in the Hornets’ starting eleven. Troy Deeney serves the second match of his three-game suspension.
David Moyes’ first game in charge of West Ham comes with its own problems as Javier Hernandez and Michail Antonio remain on the treatment table alongside Sam Byram and Jose Fonte. James Collins could be fit enough to contend, however.
Brighton vs Stoke (Monday, 8pm)
Matt Ryan was part of Australia’s team that qualified for the World Cup on Wednesday, but the extra recovery time should ensure he starts on Monday. Sam Baldock and Beram Kayal are also vying for selection after recovering from injury.
Jack Butland has picked up yet another injury – a real bane of his exciting young career, and he faces five to six weeks out. Darren Fletcher could start on the south coast, although Geoff Cameron’s concussion is likely to keep him out.