Premier League injury crisis: who’s out and when they’ll return (2025/26 update)

With the 2025/26 Premier League season in full swing, injuries are hitting hard across the board. As clubs battle for glory, survival, or European spots, key absentees could shape the direction of the season. Here's a club-by-club breakdown of who’s sidelined and when they’re expected back, starting from Wolves and working up the table.

Wolverhampton Wanderers – Gomes surgery setback adds to growing concerns

Wolves had largely avoided injury troubles until recently, when Rodrigo Gomes picked up a groin injury that required surgery. He joins Leon Chiwome and Matt Doherty on the treatment table, with Doherty expected back by 22nd November.

West Ham United – Fullkrug close to return as squad nears full fitness

After a rocky start, West Ham are almost back to full strength. Niclas Fullkrug is nearing a return, while George Earthy, Konstantinos Mavropanos, and Lukasz Fabianski are also eyeing the upcoming fixtures. Oliver Scarles is the only long-term absentee.

Tottenham Hotspur – Kulusevski, Maddison out as injury list grows

Spurs are suffering once again with major injuries to James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski. Dominic Solanke, Kota Takai, and Lucas Bergvall could all be available around 23rd November, but several others like Radu Dragusin and Ben Davies remain sidelined.

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Sunderland – Diarra out until December amid stunning start

Sunderland have surprised many with their early-season form, but injuries are mounting. Habib Diarra will be out until December following surgery, while others like Omar Alderete and Romain Mundle are expected back shortly.

Nottingham Forest – Dyche faces mounting fitness issues

New manager Sean Dyche is dealing with a long injury list, including Ola Aina, Chris Wood, and Douglas Luiz. Angus Gunn and Oleksandr Zinchenko are also concerns, while Callum Hudson-Odoi picked up a knock in their recent clash against Manchester United.

Newcastle United – Wissa blow compounds Howe’s forward dilemma

Yoane Wissa’s extended spell on the sidelines has left Eddie Howe short of options up front. Injury concerns also include Valentino Livramento, Joelinton, and Anthony Gordon, with many expected back by late November.

Manchester United – Martinez close, Sesko scare avoided

Lisandro Martinez is back in training after a long injury layoff, with United hopeful he’ll return soon. Benjamin Sesko, Kobbie Mainoo, Casemiro, and Harry Maguire are dealing with short-term knocks, with all expected to return before month’s end.

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Manchester City – Kovacic missing as title chase continues

Pep Guardiola’s side is in good form but will be without Mateo Kovacic for the foreseeable future. Rodri, meanwhile, is set to return from a muscle problem by 22nd November.

Liverpool – Alisson and Leoni ruled out, injury list grows

Liverpool’s flying start has hit a wall due to a growing list of injuries. Alisson, Giovanni Leoni, and Stefan Bajcetic remain out indefinitely, while Jeremie Frimpong and Jayden Danns also face extended absences.

Leeds United – Only one concern for Farke

Leeds have only one name on their injury list: Sebastiaan Bornauw. The defender is nursing a knee problem but is expected back by 23rd November.

Fulham – Robinson knee injury the biggest worry

Fulham have regained a few key players recently, but Antonee Robinson’s knee issue has added fresh concern. Rodrigo Muniz should return soon, though no timeline has been given for the American full-back.

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Everton – Moyes waits on Branthwaite boost

Jarrad Branthwaite remains Everton’s major absentee, and his return date is still unknown. Nathan Patterson is also out with a foot injury but should be back after the international break.

Crystal Palace – Guehi and Nketiah return soon, Doucoure still missing

Oliver Glasner’s team is flying high despite a few injury setbacks. Cheick Doucoure and Caleb Kporha remain out, but Marc Guehi and Eddie Nketiah are expected back shortly.

Chelsea – Palmer joins growing injury list

Chelsea are struggling with multiple absentees including Levi Colwill, Benoit Badiashile, and Cole Palmer. The groin issue ruling out Palmer adds to Enzo Maresca’s headaches, while Pedro Neto and Enzo Fernandez should be back around 22nd November.

Burnley – Amdouni surgery leaves Parker short

Zeki Amdouni is out long-term after undergoing ACL surgery, while Jordan Beyer and Connor Roberts also remain out. Scott Parker has been forced to rotate heavily in their absence.

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Brighton – Mitoma latest casualty in growing list

Brighton are managing several injuries including long-term absentees Solly March and Adam Webster. Kaoru Mitoma, Brajan Gruda, and James Milner all hope to return around 22nd November, giving boss Fabian Hurzeler a boost.

Brentford – Milambo blow as Ajer set to return

Antoni Milambo has undergone season-ending surgery for an ACL injury, while Kristoffer Ajer should be fit by 22nd November. Otherwise, Brentford’s squad is in decent shape.

Bournemouth – Clean bill of health for Iraola’s side

Bournemouth currently have no injury concerns and will hope to keep it that way. A fully fit squad could help continue their strong run under Andoni Iraola.

Aston Villa – Mings the only major concern

Unai Emery’s side is nearing full fitness with only Andres Garcia and Tyrone Mings on the sidelines. Mings is targeting a return on 23rd November after a hamstring problem.

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Arsenal – Injury list clears ahead of north London derby

Arsenal’s injury crisis is easing with multiple players targeting a return by 23rd November. Martin Odegaard, Kai Havertz, Gabriel Jesus, and Gabriel Martinelli could all be back in time for the clash against Tottenham.