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The English top flight returns this round of fixtures following the pause for national teams, with bosses providing vital squad updates ahead of the weekend's fixtures.

The Reds Encounter Substantial Missing Players

Reds boss Arne Slot has announced that the young defender, the Dutch full-back, and Wirtz will all sit out this weekend's fixture against Nottingham Forest.

On a positive note, number one shot-stopper the Brazilian has fully recovered from his recent setback and is fit to play.

The manager revealed that Joe Gomez sat out sessions on Thursday but should be available for selection, though he may not be used for the full 90 minutes.

Burnley Get Positive Report on Broja

Turf Moor coach the manager has announced that forward Armando Broja may have "escaped major damage" after picking up an knock while playing for Albania against the Three Lions.

The 24-year-old left the game on a assisted device, but subsequent checks have shown the injury is "very, very, very minor."

The Burnley manager added that their striker has participated in sessions since midweek and could yet face his old team the Blues on Saturday.

Newcastle Injury Updates

St James' Park coach Eddie Howe has given reports on several important players ahead of their game against the champions.

the winger has "put in significant effort" to return from his recent issue and is "touch-and-go" for tomorrow's match.

Tino Livramento is "almost ready" after overcoming a serious knee issue and is also in consideration for selection.

Nick Pope is "alright" after following concussion protocols, while Joelinton and the Italian are both fit to face Manchester City.

Weekend English Football Matches

• Burnley v Chelsea (Saturday 12.30pm GMT)
• Forest visit Anfield (standard kickoff)
• West Ham travel to Bournemouth (afternoon)
• Palace visit Molineux (afternoon)
• Brighton v Brentford (standard kickoff)
• Sunderland visit Craven Cottage (standard kickoff)
• City travel to Newcastle (late kickoff)
• Leeds host Villa (Sun afternoon)
• Arsenal v Tottenham (Sunday late kickoff)
• United host Everton (Monday night)

Managerial Spotlight on Howe

Newcastle could find themselves in the drop zone if they are defeated against the champions and other matches in other games go against them.

The statistics aren't great for Eddie Howe, who has been unable to beat Pep Guardiola in eighteen prior Premier League encounters.

The statistics against Guardiola stands at two stalemates and sixteen defeats from their historical matchups.

"We've improved and certainly I've seen a huge development from us," said the Clarets coach Scott Parker. "It's only small details at this point in our development."

The return of Premier League matches comes after a chaotic national team period that included remarkable events including the Scottish team's nail-biting qualification for the global tournament.