With the final stretch of the season fast approaching, several teams are facing the challenge of missing important players due to injury, which could significantly impact their performances in the crucial months ahead. The international break has proven costly for several Premier League stars, with some suffering injuries while on national team duty.

Arsenal, for example, have been hit with multiple injury woes, including Riccardo Calafiori, who sustained a knee injury during Italy's Nations League match against Germany.

While Bukayo Saka, who has been sidelined since December after hamstring surgery, is hopeful of returning to action in early April, other key players like Kai Havertz, Gabriel Jesus and Takehiro Tomiyasu will be out for the remainder of the season.

Liverpool have also been affected, with Ryan Gravenberch missing the Netherlands' Nations League games due to injury, although he could return for their upcoming clash against Everton.

Meanwhile, Alisson Becker is expected to recover from a collision with Colombia's Davinson Sanchez, but defensive reinforcements will be needed as Trent Alexander-Arnold, Joe Gomez and Conor Bradley remain sidelined.

For Manchester City, injuries are adding to their worries as the season nears its final phase. Rodri's hopes of featuring in the Club World Cup remain slim, though he's expected to return shortly after.

Nathan Ake is also a doubt for the end of the season, while John Stones and Manuel Akanji are not expected to be back until late April or May. However, Bernardo Silva and Ederson should both be fit for upcoming matches, with Silva recovering from a brief injury scare during international duty.

Manchester United, too, are facing injury challenges. Harry Maguire is expected to return in early April after recovering from a recent issue, while other players like Leny Yoro and Patrick Dorgu could also feature soon. Unfortunately for United, Ayden Heaven's injury against Leicester may keep him out for some time, which could complicate their plans as they head into a busy period.

Elsewhere, Chelsea are optimistic about the return of Cole Palmer, who missed England's March fixtures due to a minor injury, while several other players, including Marc Guiu and Noni Madueke, are expected back in time for the April fixtures.

In contrast, Fulham's Reiss Nelson will miss the rest of the season, and West Ham's Michail Antonio faces a long road to recovery after a car accident injury.

For clubs like Leicester City, Southampton and Wolves, there's a mix of optimism and uncertainty as some long-term absentees inch closer to returns, while others, like Wolves' Sasa Kalajdzic and Ipswich's Wes Burns, are ruled out for the season due to serious knee injuries.

As the battle for survival, European places, and the title intensifies, the fitness of key players will play a pivotal role in shaping the remainder of the Premier League season.

Wes Burns

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