Both the UEFA European Championship and Copa America have kicked off this month, with 24 nations competing in Germany, while 16 are targeting glory in the United States. Many notable players have missed out, either because their nation failed to qualify, or because they are injured, or because the manager simply did not favour them. But with the 2024/25 Premier League season around the corner and the fixtures already released, they have an opportunity to recharge and focus on performing for their club. Here are some of the key players who are having a restful summer and looking forward to August.
Missing from UEFA EURO 2024:
- Erling Haaland (Norway): The striker had another excellent season for Manchester City, claiming his second consecutive Premier League Golden Boot and champion's medal. But even though he scored six goals in eight qualification matches, Norway did not make it through to the Euro 2024 finals. Haaland, who has netted twice on the opening weekend of each of his two Premier League seasons so far, will be hoping to hit the ground running again when City travel to Chelsea for their first fixture. He will aim to be in peak form before the home match against Arsenal in September.
- Martin Odegaard (Norway): Despite what seems like a match made in heaven - the creativity of Odegaard and Haaland's clinical finishing - Norway finished six points behind Group A runners-up Scotland and failed to qualify. Arsenal captain Odegaard will be eager to lead his team in another title race, with hopes of finally overcoming Man City. The Gunners face Aston Villa, Tottenham Hotspur and champions City among their first five matches - all teams they dropped points to last season.
- Alexander Isak (Sweden): Isak had his best goalscoring season in senior football in 2023/24, netting 25 times in all competitions. However, Sweden failed to qualify for the Euros for the first time since 1996, finishing 10 points adrift of Group F winners Belgium, and nine points behind Austria. The Newcastle United forward will aim to pick up where he left off last season, and an opening home match against promoted Southampton gives him a great chance of making a fast start.
Missing from Copa America 2024:
- Ederson (Brazil): Misfortune struck Man City's goalkeeper during the title run-in when he fractured his eye socket against Spurs, ruling him out of Brazil's squad. He is now recovering and aiming to be available against Chelsea in Matchweek 1.
- Casemiro (Brazil): The experienced midfielder was left out of Dorival Junior's squad after a difficult season at Man Utd. Although Casemiro has been capped 75 times by Brazil, the manager has opted for a youthful approach, with none of the midfielders selected being over 30 years old. Casemiro will look to influence an improved campaign at Old Trafford, and Fulham present them with an early opportunity to avenge last season's 2-1 home defeat.
- Gabriel Jesus (Brazil): Jesus struggled with injury last season and was unable to get back to his best form in time to make the cut. Spells in the treatment room have consistently held him back. The Brazilian has only once featured 30 times or more in a Premier League season, during the 2019/20 campaign when he was at Man City, and 13 of those appearance were as a substitute. Jesus will be determined to be fully fit ahead of Arsenal's season opener against Wolves.