Preseason is a crucial time for players to build fitness and prepare for the upcoming campaign, but it’s also a period where injuries can strike unexpectedly.
Unfortunately, several Premier League players have suffered injuries during the 2024 preseason, disrupting their preparations for the new season. Here’s a look at seven players who have been sidelined due to preseason injuries:
7. Leny Yoro (Manchester United)
Leny Yoro, Manchester United’s marquee summer signing, was expected to make an immediate impact at Old Trafford. However, the teenage French center-back sustained a foot injury during a friendly against Arsenal in Los Angeles. The injury is expected to keep him out for three months, delaying his Premier League debut until October. This is a significant setback for Erik ten Hag, who had to navigate numerous defensive injuries last season and is now facing a similar situation even before the new season begins.
6. Rasmus Højlund (Manchester United)
Rasmus Højlund, another Manchester United signing, also suffered an injury during the same match against Arsenal. The Danish forward picked up a hamstring injury and is expected to be sidelined for six weeks. With Højlund out, Manchester United may have to rely on new signing Joshua Zirkzee or shift Marcus Rashford to the central striker role for their upcoming fixtures, including the Community Shield against Manchester City.
5. Marcus Rashford (Manchester United)
Marcus Rashford gave Manchester United fans a scare when he limped off during a friendly against Real Betis in San Diego after a heavy tackle. Fortunately, the injury was just an impact injury, and Rashford was fit to start United’s final game of their US tour against Liverpool. He is expected to be ready for the start of the Premier League season, which is a relief for United supporters.
4. Moises Caicedo (Chelsea)
Moises Caicedo, Chelsea’s new signing, was a standout performer for Ecuador in the Copa América but picked up an injury after joining Chelsea for preseason. As a result, he missed all of Chelsea’s preseason matches against Celtic, Wrexham, Club America, and Manchester City. While the injury doesn’t appear to be severe, Chelsea fans are hoping Caicedo will be fully fit before the season begins.
3. Axel Disasi (Chelsea)
Axel Disasi, another Chelsea summer signing, was injured before preseason training even started. Although he traveled with the team to the US, he hasn’t featured in any of their matches. Chelsea have adequate cover at center-back, with Wesley Fofana, Benoît Badiashile, Levi Colwill, and Tosin Adarabioyo all available, so Disasi will likely be given ample time to recover fully.
2. Aaron Wan-Bissaka (Manchester United)
Aaron Wan-Bissaka added to Manchester United’s injury woes when he was taken off in the 83rd minute of their final US tour game against Liverpool. The extent of his injury is still unclear, but it could impact his future at the club, as United were reportedly considering selling him this summer. This injury might diminish interest from potential buyers, at least for the current transfer window.
1. Victor Lindelöf (Manchester United)
Jonny Evans and Victor Lindelöf also had to be substituted during United’s match against Liverpool due to minor injury concerns. Meanwhile, Harry Maguire was left out of the squad as a precaution. These injuries highlight Manchester United’s ongoing injury crisis, which saw them record 66 injuries last season. If this trend continues, the 2024-25 season could be even more challenging for Erik ten Hag’s side.