Aston Villa's next game against Spurs in the Premier League at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium doesn't take place until November 26, but several players are already questionable for the fixture.
The final international break of 2023 is here, and the group stage of EURO 2024 qualifying is to be wrapped up until the play-offs in March. The Africa Cup of Nations is also set to take place between January through to February, however games aren't being postponed, and there's also the FA Cup to think about so squads will be put through a massive test.
Several Villa players are involved in qualifying with a total of 13 players away on international duty with their respective countries. The Premier League is a global attraction and it brings in players from various continents, and with different time zones to consider, several clubs could be dealt a problem with the South American stars who usually return late with their respective countries like Argentina and Brazil.
A busy period awaits the players when they return from international duty. The festive period will see the first midweek game week of the season, as well as several matches being played from the week of Christmas Eve into the New Year. Injuries aren't always something that can be prevented but suspensions can, however several players have already accumalated five yellow cards before the amnesty cut-off which is the 19th-game of the campaign.
Flick through our gallery to see which players have been ruled out or are in danger of missing the north London clash next week.
5. Jacob Ramsey - doubt
Dealing with a second ankle injury of the season. He had a broken metatarsal in the summer and that ruled him out for a few months, and that problem reemerged. Unai Emery said on November 8: "After the next international break, I think he’s going to be available to start training with the players and to be close to being in the squad for the matches.' | Nathan Stirk/Getty Images) Photo: Nathan Stirk/Getty Images)
6. Cristian Romero - out
Red carded against Chelsea, and so he is serving the second of his three-game suspension. | Ryan Pierse/Getty Images Photo: Ryan Pierse/Getty Images
7. Diego Carlos - doubt
He suffered a knock against AZ Alkmaar and it was described as a 'small injury' and so hopefully he'll be okay to return. Unai Emery said on November 10: 'I don't know exactly; he's not going to be available for Sunday. "Maybe it's a small injury, maybe, but it'll be difficult to be available for Sunday.' | Shaun Botterill/Getty Images) Photo: Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)
8. Yves Bissouma - out
He picked up his fifth yellow card of the season against Wolves which is an automatic one-game suspension. | Ryan Pierse/Getty Images) Photo: Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)