Premier League Injury Latest Long-Term Absences 2026/27

Amadou Onana Out for Most of 2026/27 as Premier League Injury List Grows

Aston Villa midfielder Amadou Onana faces up to nine months out with an ACL injury suffered at the 2026 World Cup, headlining a growing Premier League long-term injury list that also includes Dejan Kulusevski, Alex Scott and Eliot Matazo as of 5 October 2026.

Biggest absence: Amadou Onana (Aston Villa) — ACL, out for most or all of 2026/27
Confirmed surgery: Eli Junior Kroupi (Bournemouth) — foot operation, three to four months
Setback: Stefanos Tzimas (Brighton) — minor setback delays ACL recovery
Latest blow: Alex Scott (Bournemouth) — thigh issue after England's 7-0 win over Croatia on 3 October
Closest to return: Dejan Kulusevski (Tottenham) — back in team training after May 2025 knee injury
Worst-case history: Eliot Matazo (Hull) — two ACL ruptures in 14 months

Injury and availability

Amadou Onana — Aston Villa

Suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury while representing Belgium at the 2026 World Cup, in the last-16 win over the United States in July. Underwent surgery and began rehabilitation expected to keep him out for most, and potentially all, of the 2026/27 season. Estimates place a return in spring 2027. Typical absence: six to nine months.

Eliot Matazo — Hull City

The Hull midfielder first injured his left ACL in February 2025, ruling him out for over a year. After returning to competitive action he suffered a second ACL injury, this time to his right knee, in April 2026. Expected to miss a significant part of 2026/27.

Stefanos Tzimas — Brighton & Hove Albion

Ruptured his ACL on his first Premier League start for Brighton, against Aston Villa, in December 2025. Progressed to outdoor rehabilitation during the summer but suffered a minor setback. No firm return date has been set by the club.

Alex Scott — Bournemouth

Made his first senior England start in the 7-0 Nations League win over Croatia on 3 October, playing 70 minutes before being replaced by James Garner. Withdrew from the England squad after scans identified a significant thigh or quadriceps-related problem. Initial estimates: six to eight weeks out, with Bournemouth conducting further assessments.

Eli Junior Kroupi — Bournemouth

Underwent foot surgery after suffering an injury during the summer. Early estimates suggest three to four months out, potentially keeping him unavailable throughout the opening section of the campaign.

Dejan Kulusevski — Tottenham Hotspur

Last played competitively in May 2025 after a serious injury to his right knee and kneecap, which required surgery, additional treatment and several setbacks. Missed the entire 2025/26 season and Sweden's 2026 World Cup campaign. Has now returned to team training and is moving closer to a matchday squad.

Why Aston Villa and Bournemouth face the toughest months

Amadou Onana gives Aston Villa height, ball-winning ability and a physical presence in midfield, plus a threat at both defensive and attacking set pieces. Villa cannot replace those qualities with a single player; his absence disrupts midfield balance, aerial strength and the capacity to defend transitions.

Alex Scott had started all five of Bournemouth's opening Premier League matches and contributed one goal and one assist. With the Europa League and Carabao Cup also on the schedule, his likely six-to-eight-week absence could remove him for a large block of October and November fixtures, potentially returning only shortly before the winter programme.

Eli Junior Kroupi adds to Bournemouth's attacking shortage. Foot injuries are especially awkward for forwards because sprinting, striking the ball, changing direction and pushing away from a defender all load the affected area. A player can jog comfortably and still be weeks from full training.

What was said

No direct quotes were included in the source article.

Talking points

Should Belgium and England carry more responsibility for players who report discomfort before international matches? Scott's case will fuel that debate.
Bournemouth are losing two young players — Scott and Kroupi — at the same time. Is their squad deep enough for a Premier League and Europa League season?
Tottenham must resist rushing Kulusevski back after 17 months out. Even a fully fit return will need a managed reintroduction.
Hull City's promotion push relies on a midfield now missing Matazo. Can a promoted side cope without a mobile, technical operator?

What happens next

Bournemouth will confirm Scott's full recovery period after further assessments, with his absence expected to run through late November. Brighton continue to monitor Tzimas without setting a return date. Tottenham will decide when Kulusevski is ready for a matchday squad, while Aston Villa plan for life without Onana until at least spring 2027. Hull will manage Matazo's rehabilitation cautiously.

Frequently asked questions

How long is Amadou Onana out for Aston Villa?

Onana is expected to miss most, and potentially all, of the 2026/27 season after ACL surgery, with some estimates placing his return in spring 2027.

When will Dejan Kulusevski return for Tottenham?

Kulusevski has returned to team training and is moving closer to a possible matchday squad, but Tottenham have not set a firm date for his competitive return.