Bruno, Sterling and Havertz, some of the victims of this absurd Premier League rule

The Premier League is approaching the decisive stages. Almost half of the season has already elapsed and little by little it is becoming clear which teams will occupy which places: those that will compete for the title, such as Arsenal, Manchester City and Liverpool; those that will try to qualify for international competitions, such as Aston Villa, Tottenham, Chelsea and Manchester United; and those that will do their best to avoid relegation, such as Luton Town, Burnley and Everton.

With this scenario, every game is key and every point can be decisive at the end of the season to fulfill, or not, the objectives. That's why teams want to have all their stars available and not give any advantage.

However, an absurd Premier League rule puts several important players at risk: players who are booked five times during the first 19 matches, i.e. during the first half of the season, receive a one-match suspension. This is a problem that has already affected Manchester City, as Rodri and Jack Grealish were shown the yellow card last Sunday vs Tottenham at Etihad Stadium and will not be available for coach Pep Guardiola on Wednesday against Aston Villa.

Other English giants are at risk as well. Manchester United fear losing their skipper Bruno Fernandes, who is on the limit with 4 yellow cards. Two of Chelsea's stars, Enzo Fernandez and Raheem Sterling, are in the same situation. Also Arsenal's Kai Havertz, Newcastle's Kieran Trippier and Brighton & Hove Albion's Lewis Dunk.

They have no time to rest

The Premier League has a demanding schedule and several important matches will be played this week. This Tuesday, leaders Arsenal will visit Luton Town, while on Wednesday Aston Villa will face Manchester City and Manchester United will play against Chelsea.