Arsenal‘s injury concerns and international break performances. The international break of September 2025 has once more revealed the precarious nature of football. The balancing of national team responsibilities with club allegiances. The injuries to key players raising eyebrows, and fears, across the footballing landscape. Clubs matched the international call to arms by sending their stars off to World Cup qualifiers and friendlies. The impact of the games took its toll. Moreover, the managers kept worrying about the return to club football.
Injury Woes: Chelsea and Manchester United Hit Hard
Chelsea faced a significant blow as midfielder Dário Essugo, recently signed from Sporting CP, sustained a muscle injury. This happened in his right thigh while training with Portugal’s U21 squad. The Portuguese Football Association announced his unavailability, which is bad news for an already injury-plagued Chelsea side. They are already missing Levi Colwill, Cole Palmer, and Benoit Badiashile. At the same time, defensive organization has also been fractured by Diogo Dalot’s withdrawal from the Portugal senior team due to a muscle-related problem. This adds to the injury struggles for Matheus Cunha and Mason Mount, which could add disruption to United’s preparation for the forthcoming Manchester derby.
Positive Performances: USMNT Stars Shine
Amid the injury concerns, several players used the break to regain form and fitness. USMNT forward Christian Pulisic, despite pre-match fears over an ankle issue, came off the bench to score for AC Milan in a Serie A match, declaring himself “fine” afterward. His compatriot, Folarin Balogun, also had an impressive match for Monaco. He scored and pressed strongly to earn a man-of-the-match display after getting through some calf and shoulder issues. These sorts of respectably memorable performances could be good news for USMNT coach Mauricio Pochettino, as his national team are preparing for friendly matches against South Korea and Japan.
Broader Landscape: Tottenham’s Relief and City’s Concerns
So while some clubs will be nervously packing bags or waiting on injury updates, others have emerged relatively unscathed. From Tottenham Hotspur’s perspective, they have had all of their international representatives return without injury including Pape Matar Sarr and Mohammed Kudus who both contributed goals and assists for the national teams. There is a little more uncertainty around Manchester City with perhaps up to 11 players facing injury concerns including Rayan Cherki and Mateo Kovačić before the derby.
Conclusion: A Necessary Evil?
The international break is still a divisive element in football calendars. On one hand, it provides opportunities for players to display their talents on the world stage. On the other hand, the opportunity for injury brings load more pressure on club managers. As leagues return, everyone will keep an eye on the fitness of their stars that have returned to club duties, demonstrating the relentless fight between playing for national pride or club priorities.