Premier League injury crisis: Who’s sidelined in the 2025/26 season?
The 2025/26 Premier League campaign is only just getting into gear, yet a mounting list of injuries is already reshaping squads across the league. From long-term setbacks to fresh knocks, we break down each club’s current concerns—starting from the bottom of the league and working our way up.
Wolves keeping things stable despite early struggles
Wolverhampton Wanderers haven’t had the best start on the pitch, but they’ve managed to avoid a serious injury crisis. Leon Chiwome is their only long-term absentee, while Jean-Ricner Bellegarde and Hwang Hee-Chan are expected to return shortly.
West Ham's squad nearly at full strength under Nuno
With Nuno Espirito Santo now at the helm, West Ham look revitalised and are enjoying an almost clean bill of health. Only George Earthy and Niclas Fullkrug remain sidelined, with the latter awaiting scan results for a muscle issue.
Tottenham’s injury curse continues in 2025/26
Spurs’ campaign has once again been hampered by injuries to key players. James Maddison, Dejan Kulusevski and Dominic Solanke are all long-term absentees, while Cristian Romero and Destiny Udogie are the most recent additions to the list.
Read also: The worst Premier League managerial tenures ever – ranked
Sunderland’s surprise form marred by injury setbacks
Despite being newly promoted, Sunderland have impressed early in the season. However, they’re doing so without standout performer Habib Diarra, who is out until December, and several others including Romain Mundle and Dennis Cirkin.
Forest juggling managerial changes and fitness issues
Nottingham Forest have endured off-field turmoil with managerial changes, and injuries have only added to the chaos. Ola Aina’s hamstring problem has kept him sidelined, with a return not expected before mid-December.
Newcastle hit hard by key fitness blows
Eddie Howe’s side has seen Yoane Wissa’s return delayed, while Valentino Livramento faces an eight-week layoff. Newcastle will also miss Lewis Hall and Harrison Ashby in the short term.
Man United struggling with form and fitness
Injuries have added to Manchester United’s problems under new boss Ruben Amorim. Lisandro Martinez’s long-standing knee issue remains unresolved, and Noussair Mazraoui is also unavailable.
Read also: The Top 8 Promotion Specialists in Bundesliga History
City manage injuries cautiously with key players out
Manchester City are dealing with muscle and ankle injuries to key players like Rodri and Rayan Ait-Nouri. Pep Guardiola is taking no chances with his stars as they look to maintain a title charge.
Liverpool’s momentum stunted by injury pile-up
After a flying start, Liverpool’s campaign has slowed due to a string of injuries. Alisson is out for up to two months, while Giovanni Leoni's ACL injury rules him out for most of the season.
Leeds battle early setbacks on their Premier League return
Back in the top flight, Leeds United are already contending with multiple knocks. Wilfried Gnonto, Noah Okafor, and Harry Gray all remain out with minor injuries.
Fulham’s strong start overshadowed by fitness concerns
Marco Silva’s Fulham side has lost several key players including Joachim Andersen and Tom Cairney. Others such as Samuel Chukwueze and Rodrigo Muniz are also expected to miss time.
Read also: Ballon d'Or 2026 power rankings: 10 players who could win football’s biggest prize
Everton hope for quick returns to boost backline
Jarrad Branthwaite and Nathan Patterson are both targeting a return to action soon. David Moyes will be hoping to have both defenders fit as Everton look to climb the table.
Crystal Palace remain resilient amid midfield injuries
Oliver Glasner has got his team flying despite injury setbacks in midfield. Cheick Doucoure and Caleb Kporha remain out, while Chadi Riad is inching closer to full fitness.
Chelsea’s depth tested by a growing injury list
The Blues are missing several stars, including Cole Palmer, Levi Colwill, and Wesley Fofana. Enzo Maresca has had to call on youngsters like Josh Acheampong to fill the gaps.
Burnley learning the hard way in their return season
Scott Parker's Burnley have been without Zeki Amdouni due to an ACL injury, while Lyle Foster and Connor Roberts are also recovering. Injuries are proving a major test for the newly promoted side.
Read also: Winners and losers: Liverpool’s collapse, Vinícius magic and a Bundesliga already decided
Brighton facing a full treatment room of key players
Brighton are one of the worst-hit clubs, with several long-term injuries to players like Adam Webster and Solly March. Kaoru Mitoma and Diego Gomez recently joined the list as well.
Brentford keeping up the fight despite setbacks
Keith Andrews has steadied the ship at Brentford, but a few injuries remain. Aaron Hickey and Paris Maghoma are nearing returns, but Antoni Milambo is out for the season with an ACL tear.
Bournemouth rebuilding with caution amid injuries
New boss Andoni Iraola has seen his side suffer some key blows. Enes Unal remains a long-term absentee, while Evanilson and David Brooks are also sidelined for the time being.
Aston Villa hit hardest in midfield battle
Unai Emery's side has struggled with fitness, especially in midfield. While Amadou Onana and Ross Barkley have returned, Youri Tielemans and Tyrone Mings are still out.
Read also: The global stage of sport: who’s the most famous athlete right now?
Arsenal losing ground as injuries pile up
Kai Havertz, Gabriel Jesus, and Martin Odegaard headline a long list of sidelined Gunners. With several key players out, Arsenal’s depth is being stretched to its limits.
