The World Cup in Qatar had its curtain call last Sunday when Argentina were crowned champions, but that doesn’t mean the footballing world is now devoid of top action. In fact, it has already kicked off as the Carabao Cup and Copa del Rey return on Tuesday.
Thanks to the unusual timing of this World Cup, European clubs from top leagues have been working throughout the World Cup, preparing their returns to their respective campaigns, and in the Premier League it is no different. It’s fair to say that this past month has been handled as a second preseason for teams in the richest league in the world, as many clubs have traveled to warmer climates for training, friendlies and much-needed adjustments.
The truth is, however, that even though clubs’ itineraries in recent weeks seemed similar to a July and August offseason schedule, the stakes in this particular situation are much, much higher. There is no blank slate or a new season set to begin — rather, what comes next is the second act as there is already a storyline to continue or try to reverse.
If this were a Shakespearean tragedy, this would be the moment where the plot set in motion becomes more complicated as more questions arise. Can Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal maintain their five-point lead despite losing key players due to injury? How about Newcastle United and their continued quest to add more pressure to the top-four race? What will Man City and Liverpool do and, most importantly, what can we expect from the freshly rejuvenated Erling Haaland and Mohamed Salah given they missed the World Cup?
Here are the biggest Premier League questions ahead of the return to action on Dec. 26.
– Stream on ESPN+: LaLiga, Bundesliga, more (U.S.)
Can Arsenal keep going?
As tight as this narrative continues to be, Liverpool and Chelsea know there is no time to be careless in the second half of the season. Liverpool, just like Haaland and Man City, will require a fresh Salah up top to help climb up the table. This is especially true as Jurgen Klopp’s side face notable absences such as winger Luis Diaz, who will be out for three months after requiring knee surgery. Klopp called it a “proper smash in the face,” while in Dubai for training. It’s better news for Porutgal forward Diogo Jota, who could come back by the end of next month after being sidelined since October due to a calf injury.
Regardless, Liverpool — who are listening to offers as Fenway Sports Group put the club up for sale — know they need to strengthen in the January transfer window as the aforementioned Salah, Darwin Nunez and Roberto Firmino are the only fit and available attackers. Sitting in sixth place, the red side of Merseyside have to improve in order to attain a Champions League spot.
