Scout Scribbles – Hernandez Close to Swansea Comeback

Pablo Hernandez could be back for Swansea’s home game with Sunderland next weekend. Robin Van Persie admits he needed injections to play in United’s match against the Black Cats last week, Daniel Sturridge praises his flourishing partnership with Luis Suarez, Ashley Cole remains sidelined with a rib problem and Mladen Petric is looking for his first start for the Hammers against City:

Hernandez Targets Swans Return

Swansea were handed a major boost yesterday after their Spanish midfielder revealed he was closing in on a return to action for the first time since late August. Speaking to the club’s official website, Hernandez seemed optimistic of proving his fitness in time for next weekend’s home game against basement-dwellers Sunderland:

“It was a shame for me because I felt I put in my best performance so far this season against West Brom, and then I pick up a hamstring problem. I’ve had to miss seven games so it has been a frustrating period. But now I feel stronger and more confident of being available for the Sunderland game. This week has been very important for me and hopefully, with a couple of more days training, the manager will see that I am ready for this game.”

The Scout Says: After a strong pre-season for Michael Laudrup’s side , Hernandez was quick to make an impact on the domestic front with a goal, two assists and three bonus points in the opening three Gameweeks of the campaign earning him a bandwagon. Having since dropped from 6.2 to 5.9, a return to action is likely to bring him back onto Fantasy radars ahead of a very favourable run of games – with home matches against Sunderland, West Ham and Stoke allied with trips to Cardiff and Fulham in the next five, Hernandez – whose ownership now sits at just 3% – is definitely one to monitor if he can prove his fitness prior to the weekend deadline.

Sturridge Praises Suarez Partnership

Daniel Sturridge has discussed his flourishing up front partnership with Luis Suarez after the Uruguayan’s return from suspension has helped Liverpool climb to second in the table:

“He’s a nice guy and we have great chemistry on the field, and we get on well off it so it’s good. It’s easier when you’ve got somebody like Luis, who can help you share the goals out, and we’ve also got the likes of Steven Gerrard and Victor Moses who can pitch in. So there are goals throughout the team. Hopefully we can continue with the form we’ve got at the moment.”

The Scout Says: Currently top scorer in the Premier League, there’s no doubt Sturridge’s prospects have been boosted by Suarez’ comeback. While many had feared the Uruguayan’s return would dent his the former Chelsea player’s prospects, Brendan Rodgers’ decision to move to 3-5-2 has bolstered Sturridge’s appeal – with Suarez alongside him, he has produced 23 points in two games compared to 31 in five games without him. Given that Liverpool have scored six games in two games since Suarez’ reinstallation, in comparison to five strikes in the opening five, it seems unlikely Rodgers will change his new system, allowing Sturridge to continue his recent form ahead of games against Newcastle, West Brom and Fulham in the next four.

Van Persie Reveals Toe Concern

The United forward has admitted that he went against doctors advice to play in last weekend’s trip to Sunderland. Van Persie had to undertake injections in order to feature against the Black Cats but revealed he’s unlikely to risk his fitness in such a way again:

“Against Shakhtar I got such a hard kick on my toe, I immediately thought it was broken. It was so sore. On the Thursday, after returning to Manchester, I had a scan. Eight years ago I broke a bone on my other foot and it felt like a similar injury. I was so relieved there was no fracture visible, but doctors told me it was badly bruised. I was told to rest it, but I wanted to play against Sunderland. So we did what they call a quick fix. The medics gave me an injection. But I have said I won’t do that again. If I keep having injections in my toe, it is not going to improve. It will get more sensitive and painful. I have to admit it was a gamble playing against Hungary. I’d not trained and you never know how that can work out when you play again.”

The Scout Says: Having scored a hat-trick in Friday’s win over Hungary, the Dutchman showed little of the lethargy that seems to have affected his domestic displays in recent weeks. With his confidence flowing once again after becoming his nation’s all-time top scorer, Van Persie’s owners will be desperate for more of the same as United prepare for a run which hands them three home matches and trips to Fulham and Cardiff in the following five Gameweeks. The news also dispels any fears that David Moyes would be somewhat cautious with Van Persie’s game time due to United’s busy schedule – the Dutchman had failed to play 90 minutes since Gameweek 3 prior to the trip to Wearside but in spite of the toe concern, was fielded for the full game as Moyes looked to recover from back-to-back league defeats.

Cole Remains Sidelined with Rib Complaint

The FA have confirmed Ashley Cole has been ruled out of England’s match with Poland tomorrow with an ongoing rib problem.

The Scout Says: Subbed off against Norwich last time out as Jose Mourinho shifted to a three-man backline, Cole had looked a decent differential option as the Blues prepare for a run of eight games against the current bottom 10 over the next 11 fixtures. He currently sits in just 5% of FPL teams compared to Branislav Ivanovic’s 30%, despite the fact he has returned the same number of points (31) as th Serbian so far but having missed both the recent World Cup qualifiers, the left-back now looks a doubt heading into Chelsea’s home clash with Cardiff on Saturday.

Petric Hoping for Hammers Start

West Ham’s free signing is pushing for a starting role after stepping up his fitness over the last few days. The Croatian found the net in a recent behind-closed-doors match against Charlton and spoke of his determination to nail down a regular role:

“I played 90 minutes after a long time which was very good for me and of course I’m glad to score a goal, but it’s only a friendly, so it doesn’t count for too much. I feel better and better each day and I don’t think it’s long before I will feel 100 per cent fit.I hope to be involved (against Manchester City) but it’s the manager who decides and we will see.”

The Scout Says: With Andy Carroll still stuck in the treatment room with a heel injury, Modibo Maiga has failed to take advantage of a recent run of games. The latter started each of the first six Gameweeks but, after failing to find the net, was replaced by Ricardo Vaz Te for the trip to Spurs last time out as Allardyce opted for a formation which looked more like a 4-6-0. Given the success of their trip to the Lane, with Va Te amongst the scorers in a 3-0 win, it remains to be seen whether the Hammers boss will alter his approach as City pay visit next weekend – Vaz Te could well retain his starting berth, forcing Petric to warm the bench once more.