Premier League clubs suffered a severe blow at the conclusion of the international week, as the curse of "FIFA Virus" extended to target the brightest stars of the Premier League, leaving managers facing a crisis of absences before the resumption of league competitions.
The recent wave of injuries did not distinguish between title contenders and those battling in mid-table, affecting 10 players at once.
The tournament's two poles, Manchester United and Liverpool, bore the brunt of it, with three players for the "Red Devils" and two for the "Reds".
FIFA Virus strikes 10 Premier League stars
1 - Kai Havertz
Kai Havertz, Arsenal's player, was forced to leave the pitch in the 30th minute of the Netherlands vs Germany match on September 24 due to what was described as a muscle injury.
Klopp said about Havertz and Musiala: "The players are currently undergoing an MRI scan. I hope we get the diagnosis by Thursday evening, but of course, this is not good news. I hope the injury is not serious. It is likely that both players will miss our match, but we hope they return to the pitches soon."
On September 25, the German Football Association confirmed that the striker would leave Klopp's camp and return to Arsenal after suffering what it described as muscular fatigue.
2 – Brian Brobbey
Sunderland's powerful striker was also injured in the same match after sustaining what appeared to be a hamstring injury while running for the ball.
He left the field on his own but limped heavily as he walked down the tunnel.
Netherlands coach Xavi Hernandez said after the match: "Brian is indeed injured."
3 – Zion Suzuki
The goalkeeper joined the Japan national team squad, but local reports indicated that he missed the main group training session on September 22, instead undergoing individual training due to a rib injury.
Consequently, Suzuki was completely excluded from the team list for the match where Japan defeated Uruguay 3-1 on Thursday.
4 – Daniel Ballard
Sunderland's defender sustained an injury, reported to be in the hamstring, during Northern Ireland's 1-0 victory over Georgia in the Nations League competition.
In statements made after Friday's match, manager Michael O'Neill said it was too early to determine the severity of the new injury, but the player would definitely miss Northern Ireland's next three matches.
O'Neill said: "We will conduct medical checks on him on Saturday, but he certainly will not be available to participate in the next three matches."
5 – Alexander Isak
Alexander Isak returns to Liverpool after sustaining a minor injury while participating with the national team.
The striker had scored a goal and played the full match (90 minutes) in the game that ended with Sweden defeating Romania 2-1 in the Nations League on Friday.
Isak will not participate in the scheduled matches against Poland, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Romania during the remaining period of the international break.
6 – Bruno Fernandes
Manchester United's midfielder was excluded from the Portugal national team list for Sunday's match against Norway.
Portugal's coach Jorge Jesus said: "He played while suffering from an injury he had sustained with Manchester United, as he had a strong desire to participate in the match against Wales."
7 – Patrick Dorgu
News worsened for Manchester United fans who watched Fernandes' absence on Sunday when Dorgu got injured.
The left-back limped off in Denmark's match against Wales after 30 minutes.
Denmark coach Brian Riemer said after the match: "He is suffering from an injury and must return to the club."
8 – Cody Gakpo
Liverpool's striker, Gakpo, completed only 17 minutes of the Netherlands vs Serbia match on Sunday, meaning Liverpool is anxiously monitoring the physical condition developments of both Isak and Gakpo.
The player appeared in pain while holding the lower part of his right leg.
Netherlands coach Xavi Hernandez said: "It is an ankle injury, that is all I know. We will learn the details tomorrow, but we hope the injury is not serious."
9 – Nassir Mazraoui
Manchester United's full-back was forced to leave the pitch during Morocco's match against Lesotho in the Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers after 69 minutes, seen holding his back while on the ground following a challenge with an opponent.
10 – Nico O'Reilly
O'Reilly missed England's victory over Czechia on Tuesday evening, having also been absent from Monday's training sessions.
See photos.. FIFA Virus strikes 10 Premier League stars
