Premier League footballers who may miss the end of an extended season

The Premier League has been suspended until at least April 30 while Euro 2020 has been postponed, raising the possibility of extending the domestic season into the summer.

But some players' contracts at clubs up and down the country will be up on June 30, so teams could be forced to finish the campaign without key men unless a solution is found.

We take a look at some of the those whose contract is set to expire and discuss their strengths and the complications it may have on the finishing position of their team.

Goalkeeper

Ben Foster Watford

There is no substitute for experience in the midst of a relegation battle and none come more prepared than veteran shot-stopper Ben Foster, who has made over 350 Premier League appearances and represented his country.

Foster has started in each of Watford’s 29 league games this term, keeping nine clean sheets, and his absence may be potentially fatal to their survival hopes.

Defence

Scott Dann Crystal Palace

The Eagles have been plagued by defensive injuries this term but seasoned centre-back Scott Dann has stepped in to fill the void perfectly when called upon.

Dann has started Crystal Palace’s last four league games, helping them keep clean sheets in consecutive 1-0 wins over Newcastle, Brighton and Watford.

The 33-year-old has bags of top-flight experience having made over 140 starts for Palace and would be an excellent option to have as they chase a top-half finish.

Jan Vertonghen Tottenham

The Belgian has made over 228 Tottenham appearances, spanning over an eight-year spell and has been deployed as both a central defender, left-back and wing-back.

It is that versatility that makes Vertonghen such a great asset and his experience is important to the development of young defenders such as Japhet Tanganga, Davison Sanchez and Juan Foyth.

On the whole, it has been a poor season for Spurs but their top-four hopes are still hanging by a thread and having characters in the dressing room like Vertonghen can help drag a team through the tough times.

Leighton Baines Everton

The 35-year-old veteran has lost his place in Everton's first 11 to Lucas Digne but he remains a solid back-up option and would be a loss to the Toffees' squad.

Midfield

John Lundstram Sheffield United

Chris Wilder’s Blades have been the surprise package this season and one player who has thrived on their Premier League debut is midfielder John Lundstram.

The Liverpool lad made only ten appearances in Sheffield United’s promotion from the Championship but he has missed just two league games this season and is in the form of his life.

Lundstram has bagged four goals and grabbed three assists and Wilder won’t want to disrupt the rhythm of his side with a European qualification place still on the line.

Ryan Fraser Bournemouth

Last summer Ryan Fraser was heavily linked with a switch to Arsenal after a number of man-of-the-match performances and Bournemouth will be relying on their star Scot to rediscover that form as they fight top-flight survival.

The Cherries find themselves third-bottom with just nine games remaining but not many of their relegation rivals can call upon the services of a tricky winger like Fraser, who has the ability to beat defenders and create chances from little.

Bournemouth’s attacking threat would be significantly diminished without him.

David Silva Manchester City

The silky Spaniard has been one of the Premier League’s standout performers over the past eight seasons and even a star-studded Manchester City would feel his loss.

Silva’s movement, low-centre of gravity and eye for a pass have proved second to none over the years and it shows the regard he is still held in by Pep Guardiola given he has featured 28 times this term despite having turned 34.

The title is out of reach for the Citizens but he would still have a pivotal part to play in their pursuit of a first Champions League crown.

Ashley Westwood Burnley

Hard-working midfielders like Ashley Westwood don’t always get the recognition they deserve but he is as important as anyone to Sean Dyche’s Burnley, who are in the mix for a top-half finish.

Westwood has started 26 of Burnley’s 29 league games this term - the three he missed through suspension they lost - and his range of passing and incisive forward balls are well-suited to their direct style of play.

The 29-year-old’s killer set-piece delivery has been particularly influential this season and his void in the centre of the park would be extremely hard to fill.

Attack

Pedro Chelsea

Pedro has slowly but surely worked his way into Frank Lampard’s plans - he has featured in seven of their last eight games - and his rejuvenation has given Chelsea a lift in the final third.

There is no doubting the technical ability of the former Barcelona youth product but he is now starting to show the desire to match.

Pedro is a World Cup winner with Spain and has won the Champions League on three occasions and that experience at this time of the season is momentous.

Olivier Giroud Chelsea

Injury to Tammy Abraham and Michy Batshuayi's failure to fire have finally earned Olivier Giroud his starting chance.

The Frenchman was prolific in helping Chelsea win the Europa League last term, topping the scoring charts with 11 goals, and he is stepping up to the plate again in Lampard’s moment of desperation.

Giroud is a natural finisher and the Blues’ shortage of goalscoring threats make his short-term presence at Stamford Bridge integral.

Willian Chelsea

The fleet-footed Brazilian has carried extra importance since last summer’s departure of Eden Hazard and on his day he is without question Chelsea’s most influential attacker.

There are not many players in world football who can skip past defenders at the ease in which Willian can and his ability to link other players into the game make him a real asset.

Chelsea hold a three-point advantage over their top-four rivals but they have been wildly inconsistent and failing to renew Willian’s contract won’t help their cause.

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