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The English Premier League is set for another weekend of action after the mid-week Carabao Cup and Europa League matches as the season takes shape.
Five matches into the 2024-25 Premier League season, several teams are already moaning the absence of their key players through injuries or suspension, with the fixtures coming thick and fast.
Teams with bigger squads tend to adapt to the injury crisis but the absence of key players in certain matches is always felt.
Pulse Sports takes a look at important players that will sit out this weekend's pulsating encounters.
Reece James (Chelsea)
The 24-year-old has not played this season after suffering a knee injury on the eve of the Premier League season. The Blues' academy graduate is one of the best right-backs in the world when he is fully fit but will not be on the field at Stamford Bridge where Chelsea welcome Brighton.
Chelsea Boss Enzo Maresca remains in the dark regarding James' availability after the club postponed his imminent return to training last week.
Malo Gusto or Wesley Fofana will likely slot in at right-back and fill in for the injured Blues captain.
David Raya (Arsenal)
The Gunners stopper was seen limping and with a bandage on his knee following the draw with Manchester City on Sunday. He was subsequently left out of the the team's 5-1 win in mid-week and coach Mikel Arteta said, "we don't know yet. He's got a muscular injury." Arsenal will be expected to beat Leicester City, one of the six teams yet to win a match this season.
Martin Odegaard (Arsenal)
The Norwegian has not played since the early September international break after suffering an ankle injury while on duty with the national team. In the absence of the talismanic midfielder, the Gunners have struggled to produce better results with the Brighton and City matches serving as examples.
Rodrigo (Manchester City)
The Spaniard's long-term injury has been the talking point all week after hurting his knee in the 2-2 drama-filled draw with Arsenal on Sunday. Rodri, as he is known, has been an ever-present member for Pep Guardiola's side. His is also a frontrunner for the coveted Ballon d'Or this year after helping City and Spain win the Premier League and Euros respectively. City have struggled without Rodri and Guardiola will likely use Mateo Kovacic in the same role although they are different types of players. The trip to face Newcastle will be a litmus test for the defending champions.
Luke Shaw (Manchester United)
The marauding left-back has had problems of his own, often suffering hamstring and knee injuries that saw him miss most of last season. Shaw made England's final squad for the Euros and played in the latter stages of the competition but was not fully fit at that time according to reports. It remains unknown when the former Southampton player will return to action. United will hope to get back to winning ways against Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday.
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