Portugal’s Bruno Fernandes, Netherlands’ Cody Gakpo and Denmark’s Patrick Dorgu have all had injury issues while on international duty
The September 2026 international break has left several major clubs sweating over the fitness of their key players. Several stars have picked up injuries or fitness concerns while representing their countries. As domestic football returns, managers now face anxious waits over their availability.
The concerns stretch across the Premier League, La Liga and Bundesliga. Medical teams will assess the affected players before providing clearer recovery timelines. Here are eight stars whose fitness has become a major talking point after the international break.
Premier League Clubs Count The Cost
Kai Havertz – Arsenal and Germany
Arsenal are monitoring Kai Havertz after he withdrew from Germany duty with a suspected muscle problem. The forward remains an important option for Mikel Arteta, especially with the Gunners competing on several fronts. Arsenal will therefore await further medical updates before determining his availability.
Cody Gakpo – Liverpool and Netherlands
Liverpool are also monitoring Cody Gakpo after the forward picked up a lower-leg or ankle problem while representing the Netherlands. Gakpo has featured regularly in Liverpool’s attacking plans this season. Arne Slot will now hope the issue does not keep him out for an extended period.
Alexander Isak – Liverpool and Sweden
Liverpool suffered another setback after Alexander Isak returned early from Sweden duty. The striker withdrew after suffering a minor injury following Sweden’s victory over Romania. Liverpool will assess the 27-year-old at the AXA Training Centre before confirming his recovery timeline.
Bruno Fernandes – Manchester United and Portugal
Manchester United are keeping a close eye on Bruno Fernandes after the midfielder arrived for Portugal duty with a fitness concern. Fernandes remains an important figure for United and has carried a heavy workload. The club will monitor his condition before deciding how much he can play after the break.
Patrick Dorgu – Manchester United and Denmark
Patrick Dorgu has also raised concerns after picking up a knock while representing Denmark. The Manchester United defender was forced off during Denmark’s international fixture. Further assessment will determine the extent of the injury and his expected recovery period.
Brian Brobbey – Sunderland and Netherlands
Sunderland are also monitoring Brian Brobbey following his return from Netherlands duty. The forward has reported a fitness concern, leaving the club waiting for further medical information. Sunderland’s medical team will assess him before domestic action resumes.
European Giants Also Face Injury Concerns
Kylian Mbappé – Real Madrid and France
Real Madrid are monitoring Kylian Mbappé after the France captain picked up a knee problem during international duty. Mbappé remains central to Madrid’s attacking plans, making his fitness an important concern for the Spanish giants. The club will await further medical assessments before confirming his availability.
Jamal Musiala – Bayern Munich and Germany
Bayern Munich are also waiting for an update on Jamal Musiala after the midfielder suffered an injury during Germany’s preparations. Musiala remains one of Bayern’s key creative players. The German club will therefore want a clear assessment before the next round of domestic fixtures.
Clubs Await Medical Updates
The coming days will prove crucial as clubs assess their players following the international break. Medical teams will conduct examinations before determining whether the affected stars need rehabilitation or can return to training.
Meanwhile, managers may have to adjust their squads depending on the results. Some could rotate their teams, while others may change their tactical plans if key players remain unavailable.
For now, fans will wait for official updates before knowing which stars will return immediately and which could face time on the sidelines.
