Here are some top football players who have recently returned from injury and made a significant impact for their teams in the latest fixtures:

1. Gabriel Jesus – Arsenal

• Injury: Knee injury (sustained during the World Cup 2022)
• Return: February 2025
• Impact:
  • Gabriel Jesus returned from a long injury layoff to deliver some game-changing performances for Arsenal. In his first match back, he scored a crucial goal in a North London Derby against Tottenham Hotspur, helping Arsenal secure a 3-2 win. His work rate, creativity, and link-up play instantly elevated the team’s offensive threat.
• Why It’s Important: His return has been a major boost for Arsenal, especially given their title aspirations in the Premier League.

2. Raheem Sterling – Chelsea

• Injury: Hamstring injury
• Return: March 2025
• Impact:
  • Raheem Sterling came back into Chelsea’s squad just in time for an important match against Manchester City. His pace and directness were evident in Chelsea’s counter-attacks, and he created several key chances. He also provided the assist for the winning goal in the 2-1 victory over City, proving his worth right after returning to full fitness.
• Why It’s Important: Sterling’s contribution adds depth to Chelsea’s attack, which has been lacking in consistency this season. His return is crucial as Chelsea look to climb up the table.

3. N’Golo Kanté – Chelsea

• Injury: Hamstring surgery
• Return: February 2025
• Impact:
  • N’Golo Kanté made a long-awaited return to action after missing several months due to a hamstring injury. In his first match back, he controlled the midfield and made his usual key interceptions, providing the energy and defensive solidity that Chelsea had been missing. His performance in Chelsea’s 1-1 draw with Manchester United was critical to securing a point.
• Why It’s Important: Kanté’s return has greatly strengthened Chelsea’s midfield, allowing the team to regain stability and control in the center of the park.

4. Olivier Giroud – AC Milan

• Injury: Knee injury
• Return: January 2025
• Impact:
  • After recovering from a knee injury, Olivier Giroud returned to form with a crucial brace against Juventus in a 3-1 win. His physical presence, aerial ability, and clinical finishing were key in AC Milan’s attacking play.
• Why It’s Important: Giroud’s return provides Milan with an experienced forward, especially important for their push in the Serie A title race and European qualification.

5. Virgil van Dijk – Liverpool

• Injury: Hamstring injury
• Return: February 2025
• Impact:
  • Virgil van Dijk made his comeback for Liverpool after missing several weeks due to a hamstring issue. His first match back saw him score a crucial header against Manchester City in a thrilling 3-2 victory. Van Dijk’s leadership at the back has been vital in stabilizing Liverpool’s defense.
• Why It’s Important: His presence in the defense has given Liverpool much-needed solidity and confidence, particularly in high-pressure situations.

6. Diogo Jota – Liverpool

• Injury: Calf injury
• Return: February 2025
• Impact:
  • Diogo Jota made an immediate impact following his return to the starting lineup, scoring two important goals in Liverpool’s 4-1 win over Leicester City. Jota’s movement, work rate, and finishing were key in helping Liverpool seal the win.
• Why It’s Important: Jota adds another attacking threat for Liverpool, especially as they battle for a top-four finish in the Premier League.

7. Kieran Tierney – Arsenal

• Injury: Knee injury
• Return: January 2025
• Impact:
  • Kieran Tierney returned to Arsenal’s defense after several months out due to a knee injury. His first match back saw him provide a key assist in a 2-1 win over Everton, and his defensive contributions helped secure the team’s lead in crucial moments.
• Why It’s Important: Tierney’s return strengthens Arsenal’s defense, especially on the left flank, and provides cover for Oleksandr Zinchenko.

8. Marco Reus – Borussia Dortmund

• Injury: Achilles injury
• Return: February 2025
• Impact:
  • Marco Reus came back from an Achilles injury to score the winning goal in Dortmund’s 2-1 victory over Bayer Leverkusen. His creativity and leadership were key in breaking down Leverkusen’s defense.
• Why It’s Important: Reus’s return is a big boost for Dortmund, especially as they push for the Bundesliga title. His ability to influence matches is vital in their attacking setup.

9. Leon Goretzka – Bayern Munich

• Injury: Knee surgery
• Return: February 2025
• Impact:
  • Leon Goretzka returned from a knee injury to deliver a dominant midfield performance in Bayern’s 3-1 win against RB Leipzig. His physicality, passing range, and presence in the midfield were instrumental in Bayern maintaining control of the game.
• Why It’s Important: Goretzka’s return solidifies Bayern’s midfield, providing a combination of defensive cover and attacking threat.

10. Philippe Coutinho – Aston Villa

• Injury: Hamstring injury
• Return: March 2025
• Impact:
  • Philippe Coutinho made a dramatic return to the first team, scoring a brilliant free-kick in Aston Villa’s 2-0 win against Southampton. His technical ability and flair added another dimension to Villa’s attack, and his return came at a crucial time in their push for European spots.
• Why It’s Important: Coutinho’s creativity and vision make him a valuable asset for Villa, and his return adds extra quality to their midfield.