Latest updates on Premier League injuries: Concerns for Bukayo Saka and Declan Rice at Arsenal; Liverpool gets a positive update on Alisson.

The Premier League is back in action following the final international break of the year, and fans can look forward to an exciting run-up to Christmas. With the next international fixtures not scheduled until March, clubs will be eager to build momentum as they head into the festive period.

As we gear up for Matchday 12, the injury list is a hot topic of discussion. Which players are doubtful for their respective fixtures, and who will definitely be missing out?

**Chelsea: James Out Again**

Chelsea captain Reece James has been ruled out of Saturday’s trip to Leicester City, which will be broadcast live on TNT Sports and discovery+. The 24-year-old defender has suffered yet another injury setback, having only returned to action in October after a lengthy absence at the start of the season.

Head coach Enzo Maresca confirmed at Thursday’s press conference, “We have, for sure, just one injured player and that is Reece. Unfortunately, he felt something small, and we do not want to take a risk with him at the weekend. He is the only one for sure who is not available for this weekend.” James has made just 15 appearances since the beginning of last season, highlighting the impact of his injury woes.

**Arsenal: Rice and Saka Doubts**

Arsenal are facing uncertainty ahead of their home match against Nottingham Forest, with both Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka doubtful due to injuries sustained while on international duty. Additionally, Leandro Trossard is also a concern after being forced off in the first half during Belgium’s defeat to Israel.

**Everton: McNeil Boost**

In contrast, Everton manager Sean Dyche provided positive updates regarding Dwight McNeil and Jarrad Branthwaite ahead of their clash with Brentford. “Dwight has come through really well and has had a really good week,” Dyche stated. “Jarrad has trained today (Thursday) after settling things down, so we’ll see how he responds overnight but we’re hopeful on that and he should be okay.”

However, on-loan forward Armando Broja remains sidelined. Dyche mentioned the importance of integrating the deadline-day signing into the squad after an Achilles injury kept him out since pre-season. “He has done enough with us here, and we cannot really replicate the feeling of games, so I would prefer him for the 21s because it at least feels like a game,” he added.

**Liverpool: Alisson Could Return**

Liverpool’s goalkeeper Alisson Becker has missed the last seven games due to a hamstring injury but has been spotted back in training. His return would see Caoimhin Kelleher drop to the bench after a commendable run of form, conceding just four goals in six matches and helping the Reds maintain a five-point lead at the top of the Premier League.

However, Trent Alexander-Arnold is a doubt after withdrawing from international duty, while captain Virgil van Dijk was released from the Netherlands squad for precautionary reasons ahead of their Nations League match against Bosnia & Herzegovina.

**Man City: Injury Boost for Guardiola**

Manchester City have faced a challenging period with back-to-back Premier League defeats and four consecutive losses in all competitions. However, there is hope on the horizon as several key players, including Kevin De Bruyne, John Stones, Jack Grealish, and Manuel Akanji, have been spotted in training ahead of their match against Tottenham.

**Man Utd: Amorim Set for Debut**

New Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim will take charge for the first time against Ipswich this weekend. He may be without defenders Lisandro Martinez and Victor Lindelof, both of whom picked up injuries while on international duty. Argentina boss Lionel Scaloni provided an update on Martinez, stating, “We saw that he had suffered a blow to his back, but apparently, he had no problem, just pain.”

**Southampton: Ramsdale Injured**

Southampton will be without goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale and centre-back Jan Bednarek for a “number of weeks” due to injuries. Ramsdale withdrew from England’s squad last week with a finger injury, while Bednarek suffered a knee issue during Poland’s heavy defeat to Portugal. Manager Russell Martin confirmed, “They’ll both be out for this weekend and a number of weeks.”

**Tottenham: Bentancur Banned**

Tottenham’s Rodrigo Bentancur has received a suspension following an incident in his home country of Uruguay back in June. Manager Ange Postecoglou also revealed that Micky van de Ven is still “a couple of weeks away” from returning, while Cristian Romero remains an injury doubt.

**West Ham: Kudus Suspended**

West Ham United will continue to be without Mohammed Kudus for their trip to Newcastle on Monday. The winger is serving a five-game ban after being sent off for violent conduct in last month’s Premier League defeat to Tottenham Hotspur.

**Aston Villa: Onana Doubt**

Finally, Aston Villa may have to cope without Amadou Onana against Crystal Palace after he picked up an injury while on international duty. Onana played the full 90 minutes in Belgium’s narrow defeat to Italy but was sidelined in their subsequent match against Israel.

As the Premier League resumes, all eyes will be on how these injury concerns unfold and which teams can navigate the challenges ahead.