Opening weekend drops stun fans

Several fit stars from Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester United were left out of opening weekend match squads, signaling managers' moves ahead of the transfer window.

Premier League players dropped this weekend

Ten fully fit players were left out of their clubs’ matchday squads on the opening weekend. notable omissions included Manchester United’s Andre Onana, who was dropped in favor of Altay Bayindir, with manager Ruben Amorim saying the team balanced pre-season form and squad needs. Rasmus Hojlund was not selected as talk of a move continued and Benjamin Sesko started in his place. Jadon Sancho was omitted as United pursue a potential exit. Arsenal’s Oleksandr Zinchenko was left out amid ongoing exit rumors, while Jakub Kiwior also missed out due to heavy competition for places. Alexander Isak did not feature at Newcastle while he remains at the centre of a contract dispute, and Brentford’s Yoane Wissa along with Chelsea’s Raheem Sterling were left out as transfer chatter looms. Other names, including Ben Doak and Alan Browne, were also left out as clubs weigh squad depth and next steps.

The weekend selections reveal more about market strategy than scoreline drama. Managers are using the opening days to test balance between pre-season form and squad depth, while keeping rooms open for late window moves. The benches are telling a larger story about how teams manage player value, morale, and risk when money and ambition collide. This is not just about one match; it is a preview of how decisions in the transfer window will shape starting lineups in weeks to come.

Highlights

Markets will watch how managers translate these early choices into lasting momentum