The recently concluded World Cup may have lasting effects on Premier League clubs as they gear up for the upcoming season. With over 150 Premier League players participating in the tournament, it's essential to consider how their involvement could influence their teams' performance. Manchester City had the most significant representation, with 16 players featuring in the World Cup, including Spain's captain Rodri, who won the player of the tournament award.
Arsenal followed closely, with 13 players participating, including England's Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka. The minutes played by each team's players are also crucial, as those who played the most will have a shorter pre-season due to FIFA's mandatory three-week break. The Premier League player with the most minutes played was Aston Villa's Emi Martinez, with 810 minutes. Other notable players, such as Alexis Mac Allister and Rodri, also accumulated significant minutes.
However, some teams suffered injuries during the tournament, including Aston Villa's Amadou Onana and Arsenal's William Saliba. When considering factors like minutes played, player usage, and injuries, Arsenal emerges as the most impacted club. Aston Villa, Manchester United, and Spurs follow closely, while Manchester City ranks fifth despite having the most players in the World Cup.
The disrupted pre-season will undoubtedly affect these teams, whereas Coventry, with no players in the World Cup, has a distinct advantage with a full squad available for pre-season training.