Cheick Doucoure and Crystal Palace
7 September 2026

Crystal Palace midfielder Cheick Doucoure is set to make his first senior competitive appearance in nearly 20 months after recovering from successive serious injuries. Manager Pierre Sage confirmed the Mali international will feature in the club’s upcoming Carabao Cup match.

Doucoure first ruptured his Achilles in November 2023, returned for 13 appearances, then suffered a torn meniscus in January last year. After Under-21 minutes, a full pre-season and continued training, Sage says the 26-year-old is ready for limited senior action.

Leon Goretzka and Aston Villa
7 September 2026

Leon Goretzka will remain sidelined for several weeks before making his Aston Villa debut after his body reacted to increased workload following time away from matches. The summer signing said he needs a short break before returning at full strength.

Goretzka joined Villa on a free transfer after eight years at Bayern Munich but has yet to enter Unai Emery’s squad. The setback means he will miss at least four matches and will not return until after the September and October international fixtures.

Mykhailo Mudryk and Tottenham Hotspur
6 September 2026

Mykhailo Mudryk returned to competitive football for the first time since November 2024, making his Tottenham debut from the bench in the 0-0 draw at Nottingham Forest. The winger recently completed a lengthy suspension connected to a positive drugs test.

Mudryk entered in the 74th minute after joining Tottenham on deadline-day loan from Chelsea. Roberto De Zerbi said the winger is not yet physically ready for regular starts and will need more training and carefully managed minutes to regain full match fitness.

Ayoub El Kaabi and Olympiacos
5 September 2026

Olympiacos striker Ayoub El Kaabi was taken to hospital after suffering a severe leg injury against Volos. The Morocco international left on a stretcher after goalkeeper Marios Siampanis landed on his leg, causing it to twist under the impact.

El Kaabi underwent hospital tests to determine the nature and severity of the injury, with no diagnosis reported in the supplied article. Olympiacos publicly offered support, while Jota Silva converted the resulting penalty and dedicated the goal to his injured team-mate.

Lawrence Shankland and Rangers
5 September 2026

Rangers captain Lawrence Shankland suffered a hamstring injury early in the 1-0 win over Motherwell, with manager Derek McInnes describing it as potentially significant. Shankland immediately signalled to the bench after pulling up around five minutes into the match.

Rangers will scan Shankland on Monday to determine the damage and possible absence. The injury compounds their striker problems because Youssef Chermiti is already expected to miss a lengthy period after suffering anterior cruciate ligament damage last month.

Folarin Balogun and Monaco
4 September 2026

Monaco have left Folarin Balogun out of their Conference League squad and also omitted him from the group travelling to face Paris Saint-Germain. The USMNT striker is back in training but has not played in Monaco’s first four games.

Monaco are under pressure to raise funds for French league financial rules and still hope to sell Balogun to a market that remains open. Saudi Arabia is one option, with its transfer window remaining open until 12 October.

Jamal Musiala and Bayern Munich
4 September 2026

Jamal Musiala is back in Bayern Munich training after a medication change for absence seizures caused by a neurological dysfunction. The 23-year-old had collapsed during two consecutive preseason matches and has not yet returned to competitive action.

Bayern included Musiala in their Champions League squad, while Vincent Kompany said specialists have given the club clear guidance on handling another episode. His next possible return is against Schalke or in Bayern’s Champions League opener against Bodo/Glimt.

Rodri and Barcelona
4 September 2026

Rodri has completed his rehabilitation and specific fitness programme at Barcelona and is now training normally with the squad. Hansi Flick is considering whether to start the Spain midfielder against Valencia or wait for the Champions League meeting with Feyenoord.

Rodri has played 27 minutes against Athletic Bilbao and another 26 against Rayo Vallecano since joining Barcelona late. Marc Bernal’s strong form gives Flick room to manage Rodri’s workload before a congested run of domestic and European fixtures.

Richarlison and Tottenham Hotspur
3 September 2026

Tottenham have left Richarlison out of their Premier League squad for the first half of the season after telling the Brazil forward he is not part of Roberto De Zerbi’s plans. His proposed return to Everton collapsed before England’s deadline.

Richarlison remains able to move to countries whose transfer windows are still open, with Turkey and Saudi Arabia mentioned as possibilities. The 29-year-old, Tottenham’s leading league scorer last season, has entered the final year of his contract.

Al-Hilal, Ali Lajami, Theo Hernandez and Kalidou Koulibaly
2 September 2026

Al-Hilal have confirmed several defensive injuries after their 3-0 win over Al-Ahli. Ali Lajami suffered a hamstring problem and is reportedly set to miss four matches, while Theo Hernandez sustained a groin injury and awaits further scans.

Kalidou Koulibaly also suffered a serious head injury but completed the match, while Yusuf Akcicek is dealing with knee pain. The absences leave Simone Inzaghi with reduced defensive options before league matches and an AFC Champions League Elite fixture.