Both the UEFA European Championship and Copa America have begun this month, with 24 teams competing in Germany and 16 vying for victory in the United States. Several prominent players will not be participating, either due to their teams not qualifying, injuries, or being overlooked by their coaches. However, with the 2024/25 Premier League season approaching and schedules already announced, these players can take the time to recuperate and concentrate on their club performances. Here’s a look at some significant players enjoying a break this summer as they prepare for August.
Absent from UEFA EURO 2024
Erling Haaland (Norway)
The forward had another outstanding season with Manchester City, earning his second consecutive Premier League Golden Boot and championship medal. Despite scoring six goals during the qualification matches, Norway did not advance to the Euro 2024 finals. Haaland, who has scored twice in the opening weekend of each of his first two Premier League seasons, will aim to start strong again in the match against Chelsea. He seeks to be in optimal form for the home game against Arsenal in September.
Martin Odegaard (Norway)
Although there was high hope for a partnership between Odegaard's creativity and Haaland's finishing, Norway finished six points behind Scotland in their group and did not qualify. The Arsenal captain is eager to lead his team in another title challenge, hoping to finally surpass Man City. The Gunners will face Aston Villa, Tottenham Hotspur, and champions City among their first five fixtures, all teams from which they dropped points last season.
Alexander Isak (Sweden)
Isak enjoyed his best scoring season in senior football in 2023/24, netting 25 goals across all competitions. However, Sweden failed to qualify for the Euros for the first time since 1996, finishing ten points behind Group F leaders Belgium and nine points behind Austria. The Newcastle United striker aims to continue his scoring form with a promising opening match against promoted Southampton.
Dejan Kulusevski (Sweden)
The Spurs right-winger had 11 goal involvements last season, an improvement from the previous year, but he will look to enhance those statistics in Ange Postecoglou's second season. Spurs started 2023/24 well, remaining unbeaten until a November loss to Chelsea. They face a tough challenge as they host north London rivals Arsenal in Matchweek 4, a fixture they lost previously.
Absent from Copa America 2024
Ederson (Brazil)
The Manchester City goalkeeper suffered a fractured eye socket during a title push, which has sidelined him from Brazil's squad. He is currently recovering and aims to be ready for the match against Chelsea in the opening week.
Casemiro (Brazil)
The seasoned midfielder was not included in Dorival Junior's squad following a challenging season at Manchester United. With 75 caps for Brazil, the manager has opted for a younger lineup, excluding midfielders over 30. Casemiro hopes to have a stronger season at Old Trafford, starting with a match against Fulham, seeking to improve on last season's home defeat.
Gabriel Jesus (Brazil)
Jesus faced injury challenges last season and could not regain his form in time for selection. Injuries have hindered his career, with only one Premier League season where he played over 30 times, during the 2019/20 season at Manchester City. He aims to be fully fit as Arsenal prepares for their opener against Wolves.
Richarlison (Brazil)
The Spurs striker was Brazil's leading scorer at the Qatar World Cup but has missed out on the current squad, with rising star Endrick chosen instead. Richarlison will begin his season against Leicester, a club he has faced 12 times in the league without finding the net.
Pervis Estupinan (Ecuador)
The left-back had ankle surgery after an injury sustained during a match against Burnley in April. Estupinan will not participate in the Copa America and will miss the start of the new season, hoping to maintain fitness after only managing 15 Premier League starts last year.