Premier League injured XI as Man Utd and Arsenal new signings suffer early blows
The volume of football played by Premier League stars is beginning to take its toll, with a number of big names suffering injuries within a week of the new season starting.
Manchester City have confirmed Kevin De Bruyne will be out for months, with the Belgian potentially requiring surgery following a hamstring injury. Things look even worse for Arsenal defender Jurrien Timber, who suffered a knee issue on his league debut for the club, while Manchester United's £72m striker Rasmus Hojlund isn't fully fit yet.
Less than three months have passed between the end of last season and the start of this, with a heavy pre-season schedule also taking its toll. Some also had games to play during the June international break or at the European Under-21 Championships, where Crystal Palace star Michael Olise suffered an injury expected to sideline him until September.
Just days into the new season, it's possible to name a strong starting XI - and with subs to boot - from those currently out injured. Here, Mirror Football outlines the extent of the issue.
Tom Heaton
Man Utd keeper Heaton got more minutes in pre-season, with Erik ten Hag convincing the former Burnley man to stay put. However, a calf strain is expected to keep him out until September.
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United still have Dean Henderson providing competition to Andre Onana, despite interest from elsewhere in the Premier League. However, they have allowed Matej Kovar to leave for Bayer Leverkusen in a permanent deal.
Jurrien Timber
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Arsenal will have to make do without Jurrien Timber for a lengthy period (Dave Shopland/REX/Shutterstock)
Timber lasted just 50 minutes of his Premier League debut before being forced off, and now faces a long spell out. "Further to his substitution during our match against Nottingham Forest on Saturday, Jurrien Timber has received extensive assessments and scans which have confirmed he has sustained an injury to his right knee," a statement from the Gunners read..
"Jurrien will undergo a further detailed assessment and review with a consultant in the coming days to assess the full extent of the injury, in order to determine the next steps. A further update will be provided in due course. Everyone at the club will be focused on supporting Jurrien at this time."
Wesley Fofana
Chelsea defender Fofana is another man with a serious knee injury. The Frenchman had already recovered from one lengthy spell out during his Leicester City days, and an ACL injury will keep him out of action for some time.
The Blues confirmed he was undergoing cruciate ligament reconstruction surgery, having been left out of their touring squad for pre-season. His absence comes at a time when Mauricio Pochettino's side are only just about to welcome back Benoit Badiashile from an injury of his own.
Tyrone Mings
More bad news on the knee front here. Aston Villa defender Mings was in clear pain when he left the field early in Saturday's defeat at Newcastle, and the club confirmed he suffered a "significant" injury against the Magpies.
Tyrone Mings was forced off early against Newcastle (PA)"The England international was stretchered off from the field after damaging his knee during the first half of Villa’s match at Newcastle United on Saturday," Villa's statement read. "The defender has undergone scans and will unfortunately require surgery ahead of a lengthy rehabilitation process."
Ryan Sessegnon
Sessegnon is one of a number of full-backs on the treatment table, along with Manchester United's Tyrell Malacia. The Spurs man missed games in the last two seasons with hamstring issues, and has undergone surgery in an effort to help his situation.
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“Hopefully this provides a light at the end of the tunnel," the former Fulham man wrote on social media after his most recent injury setback. "I feel very hungry and motivated to return stronger than ever and be back to doing what I do best for you guys.”
Kevin De Bruyne
Kevin De Bruyne has struggled with injury issues last season and this (Xinhua/REX/Shutterstock)"We have to decide if it's surgery or not surgery but he will be out for a few months," Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola said after De Bruyne was forced off against Burnley. "It will be decided in the next few days. Surgery is surgery. He will be out for three or four months.
"The injury for Kevin is a sore blow for us. But at the same time we have to look forward. The skills of Kevin are irreplaceable but it's an opportunity for others and I'm sure they will take it."
Emi Buendia
Mings wasn't the first Villa player to be ruled out for the long-term. Buendia was dealt a devastating blow after impressing in pre-season, and will miss the bulk of the campaign.
Emi Buendia had thrived in pre-season before his injury (Manuel Bruque/EPA-EFE/REX/Shutterstock)"Buendía will now be under review ahead of a further consultation with a knee specialist," a Villa statement read, confirming knee ligament damage for the Argentine. They have made progress in a move for Nicolo Zaniolo as they seek reinforcements.
Alex Scott
Bournemouth completed a club-record move for Alex Scott in August, but the England under-21 star arrived after suffering an injury in training with former club Bristol City. “Unfortunately, he will be out for the start of the season - probably first couple of months," manager Andoni Iraola said.
Scott isn't the only member of the Cherries squad ruled out. The likes of Dango Ouattara and Lewis Cook are being assessed, but there's hope both will be back sooner rather than later.
Rasmus Hojlund
Man Utd new boy Hojlund is another to have suffered an issue with a previous club. The Dane has been struggling with a back problem, and has been out on the training ground without yet being ready to feature.
"We are not in a rush," United boss Erik ten Hag said. "We know without him we have also a strong team and the position is covered so we don't rush in this. It is about that he is in the right level, the first fitness level and then we have to integrate him, training and bring him in for the games so we take our time. It is not about winning in this moment, it is about winning in the long term."
Christopher Nkunku
Chelsea new boy Nkunku joined up with his new team-mates for pre-season, but was injured in a friendly against Borussia Dortmund. He is expected to miss a number of months, though manager Mauricio Pochettino refused to blame the pitch in the United States for the setback.
Christopher Nkunku will need to wait for his Premier League debut (Shaina Benhiyoun/SPP/REX/Shutterstock)"The 25-year-old has undergone an operation and will now begin a rehabilitation programme with the club’s medical department," a club statement confirmed. With Nkunku out, Chelsea have eyed up Crystal Palace star Olise, though he remains out of action for now.
Gabriel Jesus
Arsenal striker Gabriel Jesus is among the big names currently injured (Arsenal FC via Getty Images)Arsenal striker Gabriel Jesus missed part of last season with a knee injury suffered on international duty. His knee is the issue yet again, with the Brazil star missing the season opener and set to be ruled out for even longer.
"Unfortunately he had a little procedure this morning," Arteta said after Arsenal's friendly against Monaco in early August. "He’s had some discomfort in his knee that caused him some issues so they had to go in. He’s going to be out for a few weeks."
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