Chelsea's Cole Palmer gestures during the English Premier League soccer match between Chelsea and Leicester City, at the Stamford Bridge stadium in London, Sunday, March 9, 2025
Cole Palmer of Chelsea
We've reached the stage of the Premier League season where every result has a huge impact on the battle for the places at the top end of the table. The race for the top five will be closely fought, and any small advantage could have a big impact.
Eddie Howe knows he must cope without left-back Lewis Hall for the rest of the season as he plots Newcastle United's path back to the Champions League, and is hoping Anthony Gordon's hip injury, picked up on international duty, isn't too serious. The winger is ruled out of the Brentford game through suspension at any rate.
Sven Botman is hopeful of returning to play a role in the run-in, although won't be involved until late April or early May, but after last season's injury nightmare, the picture on Tyneside isn't too bad. But what of United's rivals for a top-five spot?
Here, we run down the latest injury situation for those sides trailing in Liverpool's wake, but hopeful of finishing in the Champions League places come the end of May.
Arsenal
Mikel Arteta will be boosted by the return of Bukayo Saka in April, with the winger close to recovery from a hamstring injury. The 23-year-old has been absent since December but could return for the final weeks of the season. With forwards Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz out of the reason of the season, Arsenal need all the help they can get up front.
Riccardo Calafiori picked up a knock on international duty with italy but should be fit to face Fulham next week, while defender Jurrien Timber is expected to shake off an illness. Takehiro Tomiyasu is ruled out for several weeks with a knee injury.
Nottingham Forest
The Premier League's surprise package are hoping that Chris Wood's injury isn't too serious, after the former Newcastle frontman picked up a knock in action for New Zealand. The striker is hopeful he will be fit to resume action next week as Forest look to maintain their Champions League challenge, although he won't feature today against Brighton in the FA Cup.
Otherwise, Nuno Espirito Santo's squad has a clean bill of health, although back-up goalkeeper Carlos Miguel is currently out with the thigh problem.
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Chelsea
Cole Palmer has returned to training after missing England international duty through injury. The 22-year-old could be fit to face Tottenham next Thursday. Enzo Maresca is also hopeful that winger Noni Madueke could make his squad following injury, while striker Nicolas Jackson resumed training earlier this month.
Mykhailo Mudyrk remains unavailable after testing positive for a banned substance earlier this year, while Marc Guiu is currently on the sidelines, along with Omari Kellyman.
Manchester City
Pep Guardiola goes into the run-in with several injury issues, not least Ballon D'Or winner Rodri's continued absence. The holding midfielder has missed the majority of the season but could return for the fjnal few games.
Bernardo Silva is a doubt for Sunday's FA Cup game with Bournemouth but should be fit to resume Premier League duties next week, although goalkeeper Ederson is expected to have shaken off an abdominal injury. Defender Nathan Ake is close to a comeback from a foot injury, as is Oscar Bobb, after the youngster broke his leg at the start of the season.
John Stones and Manuel Akanji are continuing their recoveries, but are not expected to return to the squad until the end of April at the earliest.
Brighton
The Seagulls are hoping to welcome back Solly March, Joel Veltman and Lewis Dunk for their FA Cup game with Nottingham Forest today, while Matt O'Riley is also closing in on a return. However, they will continue to be without long-term absentees Tariq Lamptey, James Milner, Ferdi Kadioglu and Igor Julio.
Fulham
Defender Antonee Robinson is hoping to be passed fit this weekend, but could be the only returning Fulham player. Reiss Nelson will miss the rest of the season, while Harry Wilson won't return from a foot problem until the end of April. Kenny Tete is a few weeks away from comeback and Sasa Lukic is suspended.
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Aston Villa
Striker Ollie Watkins is fit to play after a knee injury forced him off in their Champions League win over Club Brugge. However, Unai Emery will be without midfielder Ross Barkley for a few more weeks, with the former Chelsea and Everton man recovering from a knee injury.
Bournemouth
The Cherries have continued to perform well despite heavy injury issues, although Luis Sinisterra (thigh), Enes Unai (knee) and Adam Smith (calf) are still ruled out. Andoni Iraola could welcome back Julian Arauj and Marcos Senesi this week.