How the World Cup has affected your Premier League team

A significant story is unfolding on the international scene. How the World Cup has affected your Premier League teamImage source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Bukayo Saka, Alexis Mac Allister and Kobbie Mainoo will return to Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester United after very different World Cup experiencesPublished19 July 2026Now Spain have been crowned world champions after victory over Argentina in New Jersey, attention will quickly shift to the new domestic season. The Premier League was well represented in North America, with all 20 of the top-flight teams for 2026-27 having at least one player involved. From injuries to transfers, here is how the World Cup has impacted your Premier League team.

When the World Cup finishes, the football continues on Sport Published11 JulyArsenalImage source, Getty ImagesImage caption, William Saliba went off during the first half of France's semi-final defeat by SpainByAlex Howell Football reporterArsenal may be the Premier League team affected most by the World Cup. The Gunners face an anxious wait over the fitness of William Saliba, who had been managing a back issue before his tournament was ended by the same problem. The centre-back has not yet been assessed by the club's medical team, but if he was sidelined, it would be a big loss - especially as his defensive partnership with Gabriel is so crucial to how the team play.

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The other two question marks will be over the fitness of Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka, who helped England finish third while managing their own fitness issues. It does not look like they will need a longer lay-off once the tournament is over, but they will be monitored closely by Arsenal before the new season. Leandro Trossard enjoyed a fine tournament with Belgium, starting all six games and scoring twice as they reached the quarter-finals, before the forward joined Turkish club Besiktas for £15m.

Gabriel Martinelli, who showed flashes of his quality playing for Brazil, is another player the Gunners could be open to selling this summer. Carlo Ancelotti played the winger in a central role during the tournament, and that may be an extra attraction for potential buyers. Aston VillaImage source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Amadou Onana's knee injury has seriously impacted Aston Villa's preparationsByNick Mashiter Football reporterAston Villa's transfer plans were thrown a curveball by an injury to Amadou Onana.

The midfielder ruptured the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in his right knee during Belgium's last-16 win over the USA which will rule him out until next year. They were not planning significant changes in midfield, although an extra body would have been useful, so moved for Johan Manzambi and Joao Gomes - especially with Youri Tielemans joining Manchester United. Manzambi - who has completed a club record move for more than £50m from Freiburg - excelled for Switzerland, scoring three goals, and will form part of Villa's new-look squad as Unai Emery tries to refresh it amid potential further sales.

The development has drawn wide international attention, with diplomatic circles watching closely.