Full Club-by-Club News for April 2026
The 2025/26 Premier League season is racing towards a dramatic conclusion. With just five matches left, every point is crucial. However, the title race and the fight for European spots are being heavily influenced by a growing list of injuries. High-profile absences at key clubs could ultimately decide the trophy’s fate. As teams prepare for the final stretch, squad depth is being tested like never before. This report provides the latest club-by-club injury and suspension news as of April 20, 2026.
Title Contenders Hit Hardest
The battle between Manchester City and Arsenal is the main event, but both teams are facing significant fitness concerns ahead of their upcoming showdown. These absences could prove decisive in the final standings.
Arsenal’s Mounting Worries
Mikel Arteta’s squad is stretched thin at a critical moment. The biggest blow is to their star winger, Bukayo Saka, who is confirmed to be out of the Manchester City clash with a calf injury. Arteta stated his recovery is only just beginning.
The Gunners’ problems don’t end there.
- Mikel Merino: Out until late May after foot surgery.
- Noni Madueke: The recent signing faces a late fitness test for a knee issue.
- Martin Ødegaard: Questionable due to a recurring knock.
- Jurrien Timber & Riccardo Calafiori: Both are being assessed and are doubtful for the next match.
Manchester City’s Defensive Crisis
Similarly, Pep Guardiola is dealing with a weakened defence. Key players are sidelined for the title decider against Arsenal, creating real uncertainty. Josko Gvardiol is unfortunately out for the rest of the season with a broken leg.
Furthermore, several other key players are unavailable.
- Ruben Dias: Ruled out of the Arsenal match with an unspecified problem.
- Rodri: His status is currently 50/50, a huge potential loss for the midfield.
- John Stones: Unlikely to feature after only managing partial training sessions.
London & Manchester Giants Face Hurdles
Beyond the top two, other major clubs are navigating their own significant injury and suspension lists, impacting their charge for European qualification.
Chelsea and Manchester United Sidelined
Chelsea’s squad is depleted by both injuries and suspensions. Summer signing Joao Pedro is a major doubt for the Manchester United game. Meanwhile, Estêvão Willian and Jamie Gittens are also out. Adding to their issues, Enzo Fernández and Mykhailo Mudryk are both suspended.
Manchester United is also feeling the strain. Long-term injuries to Matthijs de Ligt persist, while Patrick Dorgu and Leny Yoro are also sidelined. To make matters worse, key defenders Harry Maguire and Lisandro Martínez are suspended for their next fixture.
Tottenham and Liverpool’s Key Absences
Tottenham have been rocked by season-ending injuries to Cristian Romero (Knee) and James Maddison (ACL). They will also be without Dejan Kulusevski and Mohammed Kudus for the coming weeks, which severely dents their attacking options.
Liverpool continues to miss their star goalkeeper, Alisson Becker, though he is targeting a return by the end of April. The club is also managing long-term ACL injuries for Giovanni Leoni and Fabio Carvalho, while Hugo Ekitiké and Jayden Danns are also out.
Other Premier League Team News
Across the league, many other clubs are managing crucial fitness issues as the season winds down. These absences could affect relegation battles and final league positions.
- Aston Villa: Boubacar Kamara is out for the season, but Youri Tielemans is nearing a return. They are monitoring Emiliano Martínez and Jadon Sancho.
- Newcastle United: Fabian Schär is out for the month, and Anthony Gordon is missing with an undisclosed issue. Joelinton is suspended.
- Fulham: Alex Iwobi is a doubt for the next match after limping off in his last game.
- Everton: New signing Jack Grealish is out with an ankle injury.
- Brighton: Kaoru Mitoma is fit again, but Diego Gomez is out for several weeks.
Conclusion: A Test of Squad Depth
As we enter the final, decisive weeks of the Premier League season, injuries are playing a massive role. The teams that can best manage their depleted squads will likely triumph. For title-chasers Arsenal and Manchester City, the absence of stars like Bukayo Saka and Rodri hangs heavy over their ambitions. Consequently, the 2025/26 season is set for a thrilling and unpredictable finish, where the resilience of the entire squad, not just the starting eleven, will be the ultimate key to success. [Check the official Premier League website for matchday updates]
