Arsenal, Aston Villa and Man Utd among Premier League clubs most impacted by injuries and possible World Cup fatigue
Premier League clubs are assessing the impact of the recent World Cup on player fatigue and injury rates. Manchester City and Arsenal are among the most affected teams due to the high number of players who participated in the tournament.
Why it matters
The physical toll on athletes during international tournaments significantly impacts the performance and squad depth of professional football clubs.
The World Cup is over but could Premier League clubs feel the effects of the tournament as they prepare for the new season? <p>The World Cup spanned six weeks and ended in success for Spain, who beat Argentina 1-0 in Sunday's final in New Jersey.</p><p>There were more than 150 Premier League players at the tournament, so how could their involvement impact their clubs?</p><h3>Man City had most players</h3><p>Manchester City were the best represented Premier League club, with 16 of their players featuring at the tournament.</p><ul><li><strong><a href="https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11095/13563675/world-cup-2026-data-analysis-record-goals-bigger-fifa-ranking-gaps-older-starting-xis-travel-heat-penalties-substitutes-and-how-spain-won-it">Revealed: The trends that defined the World Cup</a></strong></li><li><a href="https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11095/13564837/world-cup-2026-golden-boot-race-kylian-mbappe-pulls-two-goals-clear-of-lionel-messi-ahead-of-world-cup-final"><strong>Golden Boot race: Kylian Mbappe beats Lionel Messi</strong></a></li></ul><widget id="3"></widget><p>That total included Spain captain Rodri, who started every game and won player of the tournament, as well as Marc Guehi, Nico O'Reilly, new signing Elliot Anderson and Rayan Cherki, all of whom reached the last four.</p><p>Arsenal had the next-highest number of players feature at the tournament, with 13, including…
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