English Top Flight Returns with Key Fitness Reports

The Premier League returns this weekend following the international break, with managers providing important squad updates ahead of the weekend's matches.

The Reds Face Major Missing Players

Liverpool manager Arne Slot has confirmed that Conor Bradley, the Dutch full-back, and Florian Wirtz will all be unavailable for this round's game against Forest.

On a positive note, first-choice goalkeeper the Brazilian has regained full health from his hamstring injury and is available.

Slot admitted that the versatile defender missed sessions yesterday but is expected to be ready for consideration, though he probably won't be used for the full 90 minutes.

The Clarets Get Positive Update on Broja

Turf Moor coach the manager has revealed that striker Broja may have "dodged a bullet" after suffering an ankle injury while featuring for his national team against the Three Lions.

Broja left the game on a stretcher, but later examinations have shown the problem is "not serious at all."

Scott Parker added that Broja has participated in sessions since recently and could yet play against his former club Chelsea on matchday.

St James' Park Side Injury News

St James' Park coach Eddie Howe has provided reports on a number of key squad members ahead of their match against City.

the winger has "worked very hard" to recover from his hip problem and is "questionable" for the weekend's match.

the full-back is "very close" after returning from a knee ligament injury and is also in contention for selection.

the goalkeeper is "okay" after completing concussion protocols, while Joelinton and Tonali are both available to face Manchester City.

Upcoming Top Flight Fixtures

• Burnley v Chelsea (Saturday early kickoff BST)
• Liverpool v Nottingham Forest (afternoon)
• The Cherries host West Ham (afternoon)
• Wolves v Crystal Palace (3pm)
• Brentford travel to Brighton (standard kickoff)
• Sunderland visit Craven Cottage (standard kickoff)
• City travel to Newcastle (5.30pm)
• Leeds host Villa (Sunday 2pm)
• Arsenal host Tottenham (Sun evening)
• Everton visit Old Trafford (Monday night)

Coaching Attention on Eddie Howe

The Magpies could potentially be in the bottom three if they suffer defeat against Manchester City and other matches elsewhere don't go their way.

The historical record are unfavorable for the Newcastle manager, who has never won Guardiola in 18 prior top flight matches.

His record against Pep stands at two draws and 16 losses from their past encounters.

"Our progress and certainly I've seen a huge development from us," stated Turf Moor coach Parker. "We need to work on little tiny bits at this present moment in time."

The return of top flight matches comes after a eventful international break that included memorable moments including the Scottish team's nail-biting success for the international competition.