As the 2025/26 Premier League campaign nears its conclusion, attention has turned not only to the title contenders but also to players whose participation levels may affect medal eligibility.
With Arsenal and Manchester City locked in a close contest for the championship, some squad members face uncertainty over whether they will receive winners’ medals.
League regulations provide that players must make a minimum of five league appearances during the season to qualify automatically for a medal.
Although clubs are allowed to distribute additional medals beyond the standard allocation, such decisions are discretionary and may not cover every member of the squad.
This has placed a number of players, particularly those on the fringes or involved primarily in cup competitions, in a position where their eligibility is not guaranteed.
Arsenal players below threshold
Within the Arsenal squad, several individuals have yet to reach the required number of appearances needed for automatic qualification.
The goalkeeper, Kepa Arrizabalaga, has not featured in any league match this season, leaving his chances dependent on the club’s internal decision should Arsenal win the title.
The young midfielder, Max Dowman, has recorded four league outings and requires at least one more appearance to meet the threshold.
Two other players, Marli Salmon and Tommy Setford, have been involved mainly in domestic cup fixtures and are yet to make league appearances.
Their limited involvement in league matches means their prospects of receiving medals depend on additional allocations by the club.
Manchester City players in similar position
A comparable situation exists within the Manchester City squad, where several players have not yet met the appearance requirement.
The midfielder, Mateo Kovacic, has experienced a season affected by injuries and remains below the minimum number of league games.
The defender, Max Alleyne, has also had restricted involvement following his return from a loan spell, leaving him short of the required appearances.
Younger players in the squad have similarly found opportunities limited in league matches.
Among them are Reigan Heskey, Charlie Gray, and Ryan McAidoo, all of whom have primarily featured in cup competitions.
Their absence from regular league action means they remain outside the automatic qualification bracket for medals.
Full list of affected players
The group of players currently below the eligibility threshold includes individuals from both clubs.
For Arsenal, the players are Kepa Arrizabalaga, Max Dowman, Marli Salmon, and Tommy Setford.
For Manchester City, the list comprises Mateo Kovacic, Max Alleyne, Reigan Heskey, Charlie Gray, and Ryan McAidoo.
Medal allocation rules and implications
The Premier League’s medal policy is designed to reward players who have contributed directly through league participation.
However, the allowance for clubs to distribute extra medals introduces flexibility, enabling recognition of players who may have contributed in training or cup competitions.
Despite this provision, the limited number of additional medals means that not all eligible squad members may receive one.
Final stretch of the season
As the title race progresses, opportunities may still arise for some of these players to increase their league appearances.
Late-season rotations, injuries, or tactical adjustments could provide chances for those close to the threshold to qualify automatically.
For others who remain without sufficient appearances, their fate will rest on club decisions at the end of the campaign.
With the title still undecided and both teams competing at a high level, the outcome of the race will determine not only the champions but also which players are formally recognised with winners’ medals.
