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The Matchday 1 of the Premier League witnessed some close encounters, amazing goals and new talents. While the fans are elated to see their teams kick-off every weekend, they are also saddened by the absence of top players.
During the course of every season, fans hope to see their favourite teams field their best players. But to their disappointment, few top players missed out on Matchday 1 owing to injuries while a few sustained significant injuries. Although a few players have succumbed to major injuries, the others are likely to be in contention for team selection in a month’s time.
The number of top players sustaining an injury is so high that a playing XI can be formed with it. This slideshow consists of players who are most likely to be unavailable for selection on Matchday 2. Let us take a look at the Matchday 2 Injured XI.
Goalkeeper
Jack Butland
Jack Butland suffered an injury on England duty and has continued to have persistent problems with his ankle. He missed out on the last few weeks of the Premier League and failed to recover in time to represent England at Euro 2016. Although he is back in training and attaining match fitness, it is unlikely that the shot-stopper makes the playing XI against Manchester City.
Defenders
Left Back: Ryan Bertrand
Ryan Bertrand is recovering from a knee injury and will not feature in Southampton’s away fixture against Manchester United. The English defender has failed to make an appearance since England’s final group game at Euro 2016 and is only likely to be available for the Saint’s Matchday 3 fixture against Sunderland.
Centre Back: Mamadou Sakho
Mamadou Sakho had missed the Europa League Final and the Euro 2016 campaign, as UEFA imposed a 30-day suspension owing to a doping probe. Although he was clear of any anti-drug law violations, his hope for a return was withheld owing to an achilles tendon problem. He missed the entire pre-season and was also not a part of Liverpool’s 4-3 victory over Arsenal.
Klopp will hope that the French defender is available for selection before the crucial away fixture against Tottenham on 27th August.
Centre Back: Vincent Kompany
The last time Vincent Kompany took the field was in the Champions League semi-final defeat against Real Madrid, when he limped off within 10 minutes after straining his groin. The veteran centre-back’s last season was rampaged with injuries, as he managed to start in just 20 of Manchester City’s 58 games.
The club captain is now receiving special treatment and is likely to be back in action by the last week of August.
Right Back: Glen Johnson
Glen Johnson injured the top of his thigh late last week and sat out on the opening-day draw against Middlesbrough. Although he is back in training, Stoke confirmed that they will be without the services of the experienced defender on Matchday 2.
Midfield
Central Midfield: Aaron Ramsey
Ramsey was a part of his team’s opening fixture against rivals Liverpool. However, he suffered a hamstring injury in the second half of Arsenal’s 4-3 loss to Liverpool and will miss the crucial fixture against defending champions Leicester City. He is likely to be back by the start of September.
Central Midfield: Lucas Leiva
The Liverpool midfielder featured regularly during the initial phase of the pre-season. However, he was forced off the field during a pre-season game against Huddersfield town and the scan results revealed a hamstring injury. Lucas will miss the Matchday 2 encounter and is likely to return by September.
Central Attacking Midfield: Sadio Mane
Sadio Mane has added immense tenacity to the Liverpool attack and has become an invaluable cog in Klopp’s side. However, he fell on his shoulder during a training session and scans revealed a muscle injury. Klopp addressed the media that the injury is not serious but is a doubt for the game against Burnley.
Forwards
Left Wing: Alex Iwobi
Arsene Wenger is without the services of Per Mertesacker and Danny Welbeck on a long term, while Jack Wilshere and Gabriel Paulista are also sidelined with injuries. Alex Iwobi added to Wenger’s injury concerns when he sustained a hip injury during the 4-3 defeat to Liverpool. Wenger will be without the services of the youngster for another two weeks.
Right Wing: Leroy Sane
Pep Guardiola hailed Leroy Sane as a special player and signed the 20-year-old from Schalke. But the German winger’s debut will be delayed further as he has been facing slight hamstring tweaks and is likely to miss out City’s Matchday 2 encounter against Stoke City.
Striker: Romelu Lukaku
Lukaku was not a part of Everton’s opening day draw against Tottenham following a foot injury. The Belgium forward is back in training but Ronald Koeman said in an interview that he will make a late decision regarding his place in the squad against West Brom. While Wales captain Ashley Williams and Yannick Bolasie are likely to make their Everton debuts, Lukaku may have to sit out for another week.
They line up as follows:
