In this article, we will provide you with the latest information on player availability, potential suspensions, and injury concerns that could impact your FPL team selection. Stay tuned as we bring you the most up-to-date news from the Premier League managers’ press conferences.
Aston Villa
Aston Villa manager Unai Emery provided an update on Ollie Watkins, who missed their previous match against Legia Warsaw due to pain reported during training. Emery revealed that Watkins is a doubt for the upcoming clash with Bournemouth and that they will assess his condition before deciding whether to take a risk with him. However, Emery emphasized that Watkins is not completely unavailable and there is hope that he may be able to feature in the game.
In terms of other absentees, Boubacar Kamara will miss the match due to suspension, while Tyrone Mings and Emi Buendia are still sidelined with knee injuries. Nicolo Zaniolo, who missed the previous gameweek, is fit and available for selection. However, there is no update on the availability of Bertrand Traore, who returned from international duty with an injury.
West Ham United
West Ham United manager David Moyes was tight-lipped about the injury status of Jarrod Bowen, stating that he would need to consult with the medical team before making a decision on his involvement in the upcoming game. Bowen missed their last match against TSC Bačka Topola due to fluid on the knee. Moyes also revealed that several players were left behind for the European tie due to illness.
Michail Antonio remains out with a knee injury, while Mohammed Kudus, Edson Alvarez, and Vladimir Coufal were also absent from the Europa League clash. Moyes mentioned that he would have a better idea of their availability after assessing them in training later in the day.
Newcastle United
Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe stated that he does not expect any of his injured players to return for the match against Manchester United. The Magpies will still be without Harvey Barnes, Jacob Murphy, Elliot Anderson, Matt Targett, Dan Burn, Sandro Tonali, Javier Manquillo, Joe Willock, Callum Wilson, Sean Longstaff, and Sven Botman.
Howe provided an update on Botman, who is training alone to gradually reintegrate him into the team and avoid the need for knee surgery. The manager expressed his hope to get Botman back soon, as he is an important player for the team. As for Barnes, he has not trained with the team yet but is nearing a return. Willock and Longstaff are also expected to recover soon, although Howe couldn’t provide a definitive timeline for their return.
Crystal Palace
Crystal Palace manager Roy Hodgson confirmed that Eberechi Eze and Cheick Doucoure suffered injuries in their previous match against Luton. Doucoure snapped his Achilles tendon and could potentially be out for the season. Eze saw a surgeon earlier in the week and is currently seeking specialist advice to determine if surgery is necessary. His foot remains in a boot for now.
On the injury front, Rob Holding has joined the list of absentees for Crystal Palace, with a month-long injury. However, James Tomkins has recovered from a calf injury and is available for selection. Jesurun Rak-Sakyi, Dean Henderson, and Nathan Ferguson are still out due to their respective injuries.
Chelsea
Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino provided updates on the injury status of Christopher Nkunku and Romeo Lavia. Both players are close to a return, but further assessment is required before their involvement in the upcoming game can be confirmed. Nkunku stands a better chance of featuring in some capacity.
Reece James and Marc Cucurella will be suspended for the game due to a red card and yellow card accumulation, respectively. Ben Chilwell, Wesley Fofana, Trevoh Chalobah, and Carney Chukwuemeka are still sidelined with their respective injuries. Malo Gusto, who was not seen in midweek training photos, is undergoing rehabilitation for his knee injury.
Liverpool
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp provided updates on the injuries to Alisson, Diogo Jota, Andrew Robertson, Stefan Bajcetic, and Thiago Alcantara. Alisson and Jota both suffered muscle injuries, with Alisson expected to be replaced by Caoimhin Kelleher in goal. Robertson, Bajcetic, and Thiago Alcantara remain out with their respective injuries.
Klopp expressed his confidence in Kelleher’s ability to perform as the number one goalkeeper and praised his talent. He also addressed the competition for attacking positions, stating that the players don’t have to convince him through games as the squad rotation policy will be implemented due to the demanding schedule.
Arsenal
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta confirmed that there are no fresh injury concerns following their 6-0 win over Lens. Fabio Vieira is both suspended and injured, while Thomas Partey, Jurrien Timber, and Emile Smith Rowe are still unavailable due to their respective injuries. However, on-loan goalkeeper David Raya is available again after missing the previous gameweek due to ineligibility against his parent club, Brentford.
Arteta expressed his satisfaction with the squad’s readiness to play in big games every three days and the hunger of the players to be on the pitch. He mentioned that managing minutes and rotation will be crucial during this intense period of fixtures.
Manchester City
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola confirmed that John Stones will be in the matchday squad for the upcoming game. However, Guardiola was unsure whether Stones would start the game, as he has not featured since his recovery from injury. Mateo Kovacic is back in training but is likely to miss the match, while Matheus Nunes is still weeks away from a return.
Kevin De Bruyne remains a long-term absentee for Manchester City.
Tottenham Hotspur
Tottenham Hotspur manager Ange Postecoglou provided updates on the injuries to James Maddison, Micky van de Ven, Manor Solomon, Ivan Perisic, Ryan Sessegnon, Alfie Whiteman, and Ashley Phillips. All players are still on the injury list, with Maddison expected to be sidelined for two months due to an ankle injury. Pape Sarr and Richarlison are closest to a comeback, but their availability for the upcoming game is uncertain.
Cristian Romero will be suspended for the game, while Yves Bissouma returns from a one-match ban.
Manchester United
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag confirmed that Mason Mount has returned to training but couldn’t provide a definitive timeline for his return to play. Mount has missed the last two matches due to a calf injury. Jadon Sancho, Jonny Evans, Amad Diallo, Tyrell Malacia, Casemiro, Christian Eriksen, and Lisandro Martinez are all on the sidelines with their respective injuries.
Ten Hag also mentioned that Rasmus Hojlund and Antony recovered for the midweek match, while Malacia has suffered a setback and will be out until the New Year.
Wolverhampton Wanderers
Wolverhampton Wanderers will be without Rayan Ait-Nouri for their game against Arsenal. However, there is hope that Ait-Nouri will return to the squad next week. Pedro Neto is still unavailable but is nearing a return and could be back with the team soon.
Mario Lemina and Joao Gomes will be suspended for the game, while Joe Hodge is injured. Nathan Fraser may also miss the match due to a quad injury, with an under-21s fixture being the more realistic target for his comeback. Craig Dawson returns from suspension.
Brentford
Brentford will be without Aaron Hickey, Kevin Schade, Rico Henry, and Ivan Toney for their upcoming game. Nathan Collins is expected to be out for weeks, and Mathias Jensen has failed to recover from an adductor injury. However, Mads Roerslev has been passed fit, and Mikkel Damsgaard may be involved after a 45-minute run-out in a behind-closed-doors friendly.
Josh Dasilva is nearing a comeback but did not participate in the midweek friendly, suggesting that he may not be match-ready for the upcoming game.
Luton Town
Luton Town will welcome back Issa Kabore for their game against Brentford, while Marvelous Nakamba remains a doubt due to a swollen knee. Daniel Potts, Mads Andersen, Reece Burke, and Cauley Woodrow are still on the sidelines, but Albert Sambi Lokonga has returned to training and may feature in the near future.
Bournemouth
Bournemouth will be without Lloyd Kelly for their match against Aston Villa, with no specific timeframe for his return. There are no other fresh injury concerns for the Cherries, but Max Aarons, Tyler Adams, Alex Scott, and Ryan Fredericks remain unavailable. Emi Marcondes, who has been out all season, got his first minutes of the campaign in a behind-closed-doors friendly.
Fulham
Joao Palhinha returns from suspension for Fulham, but Issa Diop, Adama Traore, Rodrigo Muniz, and Tyrese Francois remain out. Mikkel Damsgaard, who was previously injured, may be involved after featuring in a midweek friendly.
