The World Cup in Qatar had its curtain call last Sunday when Argentina were crowned champions, but that doesn’t mean the footballing world is now devoid of top action. In fact, it has already kicked off as the Carabao Cup and Copa del Rey return on Tuesday.

Thanks to the unusual timing of this World Cup, European clubs from top leagues have been working throughout the World Cup, preparing their returns to their respective campaigns, and in the Premier League it is no different. It’s fair to say that this past month has been handled as a second preseason for teams in the richest league in the world, as many clubs have traveled to warmer climates for training, friendlies and much-needed adjustments.

The truth is, however, that even though clubs’ itineraries in recent weeks seemed similar to a July and August offseason schedule, the stakes in this particular situation are much, much higher. There is no blank slate or a new season set to begin — rather, what comes next is the second act as there is already a storyline to continue or try to reverse.

If this were a Shakespearean tragedy, this would be the moment where the plot set in motion becomes more complicated as more questions arise. Can Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal maintain their five-point lead despite losing key players to injury? How about Newcastle United and their continued quest to add more pressure to the top-four race? What will Man City and Liverpool do and, most importantly, what can we expect from the freshly rejuvenated Erling Haaland and Mohamed Salah given they missed the World Cup?

Here are the biggest Premier League questions ahead of the return to action on Dec. 26.

Can Arsenal keep going?

After watching their side beat AC Milan and Lyon in Dubai, before losing 2-0 to Juventus in a friendly at the Emirates, no other fan base may be happier for the return of the Premier League on Boxing Day than Arsenal. Arteta’s team are five points clear at the top of the Premier League — their biggest lead in pole position since 2013 — and have looked great doing it. With 12 wins and 37 points, the Gunners are also enjoying their best record ever this far into a season.

There are pressing issues, however, as Gabriel Jesus’ knee injury will keep him out for around 10-12 weeks, depending on how smoothly his recovery goes. Thus, Arteta surely must find a replacement in January that he can only hope will make up for the Brazilian’s contributions of five goals and six assists in 14 league appearances.

The Arsenal attack is not all about the 25-year-old, but he is no doubt a big part of Arsenal’s strategy. “We are looking and we are active in the possibilities,” Arteta said last week. “If we can find the players that will strengthen the team, we will try.”

There is good news as Emile Smith Rowe gets closer to a return after a lengthy absence due to a groin injury. The 22-year-old was tremendous last season, with 10 goals from 21 league appearances, second in the Arsenal tally only to Bukayo Saka, so he could prove vital in 2023. The attacking area does need a little help, given the fact that Gabriel Martinelli is still away after his spell with Brazil and only Eddie Nketiah is a central striker.