Many of the Premier League’s biggest stars have been representing their nations over the last couple of weeks, with some players faring better than others on the international stage. Their clubs will be hoping for them to be at their very best for this weekend’s return of league football, while a handful of teams will be sweating over a number of potential injury setbacks.
Express Sport takes a look at the biggest winners and losers in the Premier League from the November international break…
Winner – Cole Palmer
Gareth Southgate chose to hand Palmer a debut England call-up for their games against Malta and North Macedonia off the back of his impressive form at Chelsea. The 21-year-old was rewarded with a debut from the bench during the closing stages of the win over Malta, while he also featured in the draw against North Macedonia on Monday night.
The latest milestone in Palmer’s short career will have given him a renewed wave of belief in his own ability, which he will surely be hoping to harness when Chelsea travel to Newcastle this afternoon.
Winner – Mohamed Salah
Salah was at his brilliant best for Egypt as they cruised to simple victories against Djibouti and Sierra Leone in their World Cup qualifying campaign. The Liverpool ace grabbed four goals in the win over Djibouti before coming through Egypt’s next game unscathed in a significant boost for the Reds.
He will be hoping to capitalise on his prolific form by helping Jurgen Klopp’s side to register their first Premier League victory over City at the Etihad Stadium since 2015.
Winner – Son Heung-min
Tottenham will be delighted with Son Heung-min’s latest showings for South Korea despite the 31-year-old suffering a brief injury scare. He scored three goals for his country against Singapore and China to maintain his prolific run ahead of Spurs’ home meeting with Aston Villa on Sunday.
Son needed treatment on his ankle near the end of South Korea’s win over Singapore but was named in the side to face China and was quick to insist that he was not expecting to miss any games as a result of the knock.
Loser – Erling Haaland
Haaland gave City fans a major scare when he sustained a worrying injury during Norway’s friendly win over the Faroe Islands last Thursday. The 23-year-old appeared to pick up a knock to his ankle and sat out of the draw with Scotland three days later in a bid to preserve his fitness.
Pep Guardiola will be desperate to have Haaland available for this weekend’s crunch game against Liverpool, with the forward having already bagged 13 goals in the Premier League so far this season.
Loser – Gabriel Martinelli
Martinelli was left red-faced as he failed to help Brazil overcome bitter rivals Argentina in a hot-tempered affair in Rio de Janeiro. He was handed a golden chance to score just before half-time but could only direct his close-range effort into the arms of Emiliano Martinez between the sticks.
The Arsenal man is likely to start for the Gunners against Brentford this evening and will certainly be looking to take any opportunities that fall his way in order to redeem himself in front of goal.
Loser – Andre Onana
Manchester United will be sweating over the fitness of Andre Onana after he suffered a groin injury while representing Cameroon last Friday. The 27-year-old felt pain while making a save against Mauritius and had to be substituted before sitting out of Cameroon’s next game against Libya, which ended in a 1-1 draw.
Erik ten Hag will be hoping to have Onana in goal when United face Everton on Sunday afternoon but Altay Bayindir will be more than ready to deputise if the former is not passed fit.
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