FIFA World Cup: English Premier League players and managers' worries thanks to WC in November
For some EPL managers, the World Cup would allow a much-needed break, but the ordeal might negatively affect the other teams. Talks of how a mid-season World Cup would affect Premier League clubs, and the players have been going on for some time
Here, we've listed seven Premier League clubs that might suffer because of the upcoming tournament in Qatar.
Wolverhampton Wolves
The club currently has ten players in contention for a spot in the World Cup. Ruben Neves, Jose Sa, Matheus Nunes, Raul Jimenez, and Hwang Hee-chan are most likely to depart.
Wolverhampton Wolves have four players in the new Portugal squad, and Pedro Neto has been sidelined due to an ankle injury.
Liverpool
Liverpool's primary players: Mohamed Salah, Roberto Firmino, Luis Diaz, and Andy Robertson, are not a part of the upcoming tournament, much to Jurgen Klopp's relief.
Ibrahim Konate could be placed in France's back four. But between him and William Saliba, the latter might cut. Diogo Jota had to take time off due to a bad calf injury.
Alisson Becker, Fabinho, Virgil Van Dijk, Jordan Henderson, Trent Alexander-Arnold, and Darwin Nunez are the ones most likely in contention.
Arsenal
Gabriel Martinelli and Gabriel Jesus will be critical players for Brazil, and Ben White's versatility would significantly confirm his presence in the England squad when the list of injured defenders is only growing.
Bukayo Saka might replace Raheem Sterling, who is struggling with form after his £ 50 million summer move to Chelsea.
Tottenham Hotspur
Manager Antonio Conte trained his men rigorously to increase their endurance. Eric Dier has cut a solid performance in defence for the Spurs.
Son Heung-min is injured while Richarlison is in Brazil's squad. Rodrigo Bentancur and Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg are both injured, but the latter will play for Denmark.
Cristian Romero will not play for the Spurs before starting his campaign with Argentina.
Manchester United
Manchester United have 12 probable players for the World Cup. Luke Shaw will most certainly make it on the list of England full-backs.
Casemiro, Fred, and Antony will play for Brazil, and Christian Eriksen is all set to compete for Denmark.
Chelsea
Chelsea now have 16 players in contention, implying that the team is at risk of intense burn-out after the World Cup. "It will have a huge impact emotionally and physically on the players; they will come back drained," said Thomas Tuchel on the same matter.
"Big success and huge disappointment can also drain them mentally," he added. Although Graham Potter has replaced the German, the latter would share the same concerns.
Manchester City
Manchester City is a team that houses and nurtures the best. The club has 16 players waiting to join their respective countries for the big-ticket tournament.
Pep Guardiola made sure that his squad returned slightly later after the summer and tried his best to minimise any burn-out by going easy on the players in the pre-season schedule.
Editor's Picks
- 01
Brendon McCullum: England ready to be 'really brave' in team selection for India series
- 02
Diogo Jota inspires Liverpool surge as injuries fail to dampen Premier League lead
- 03
Cameron Norrie ready to go toe-to-toe with the big boys after stellar Australian Open run
- 04
Maxwel Cornet confident of scoring run after opening West Ham account