Premier League football returns to our screens next week, but the World Cup will have an impact on how many sides will be at full strength.
For example, Arsenal are almost certain to be without William Saliba for their Boxing Day clash against West Ham United at the Emirates Stadium as the defender reached the World Cup final with France and is likely to be granted some time off, despite only playing 27 minutes in Qatar.
Furthermore, Sunday's aforementioned final is set to affect the Gunners' last opponents of the year as Brighton and Hove Albion manager Roberto De Zerbi has announced that Alexis Mac Allister won't be returning to the club immediately after helping Argentina and Lionel Messi lift football's biggest prize.
READ MORE: What Lionel Messi did for Arsenal target Alexis Mac Allister amid £34m transfer interest
"We are very proud of Alexis. He was one of the best players at the tournament," said De Zerbi. "I had many messages with him and I’m very happy for him. Now he has two weeks of holiday! It's important that he has a moment of rest to enjoy with his family. After one month of the World Cup where he has had to be strong because of the pressure and emotion, he needs a break. We will use other players while he is away."
Mac Allister being granted two weeks' holiday means will be unavailable for selection when the Seagulls welcome Arsenal to the Amex Stadium in the final Premier League game of 2022 on New Year's Eve (December 31).
In addition, his absence will deny Mikel Arteta a scouting mission amid reports that the Gunners are among several clubs to have shown interest in the midfielder following an impressive World Cup. According to Diario AS Argentina, his performances in Qatar will undoubtedly "open the doors of the best European teams sooner or later".
As Arsenal are said to be one of the interested parties, football.london understands the club will target a forward as well as a central midfielder in the January transfer window, but it remains to be seen if Mac Allister has leapfrogged Youri Tielemans, for example, on Arteta's wishlist.
With CIES Football Observatory currently valuing Mac Allister up to £34.9million, the 23-year-old's ability to play in numerous midfield roles means he could turn out to be an ideal signing for the north London outfit should Arteta and sporting director Edu pursue a deal due next month.
"Alexis can play anywhere on the pitch. I don’t know if he’s better as a playmaker or 20 metres further forward. I like him a lot in the deeper position and I’ll speak to him about it when he gets back," De Zerbi said. "I spoke with his father and he told me he prefers the Argentina position, but in that position we have [Adam] Lallana and Lallana is a teacher.
"I think Alexis is a big, big player in terms of quality, but more in terms of mentality. He understands the game before he receives the ball. He has a strong character and strong personality. I was not surprised by his quality of play in the World Cup. He was a very important player and I think he learned from his father this mentality.
"In every training and every game, he is 100% mentally strong. In the last [Premier League] game with Aston Villa he gave a fantastic performance. He could have been worried about missing the World Cup but he gave 100%, like the other players."
READ NEXT:
The three things that must happen when Arsenal face West Ham in Premier League return
Arsenal to avoid naming Mykhaylo Mudryk in Premier League squad if £40m transfer is completed
Arsenal can still pull off £32m Youri Tielemans transfer gamble - but only on one condition
Mikel Arteta's best alternative Arsenal line-up includes Aubameyang and Saka but no Martinelli
Arsenal news and transfers LIVE: The latest news, rumours and gossip from the Emirates Stadium
