Olivier Giroud is back for Arsenal, though Aaron Ramsey fails to recover in time for the trip to Villa. Everton will assess three key defenders for Norwich’s visit, though Ross Barkley emerges as a doubt. Southampton could welcome back Artur Boruc for a home clash with West Brom. Liverpool’s Daniel Agger may be out for a month, Jonathan De Guzman and Dwight Tiendalli are sidelined for Swansea’s trip to United, whilst Norwich have mixed news on the injury front:
Arsene Wenger confirmed Aaron Ramsey is still sidelined for the trip to Villa, though Kieran Gibbs has “a little chance” of returning. Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain is available after a five-month spell on the sidelines – the winger played 45 minutes for the reserves last night and his manager admitted he “wouldn’t have any hesitation” of playing him against the midlands outfit. Olivier Giroud and Mesut Ozil are back in training and available, though Thomas Vermaelen is likely to miss out after coming off against Spurs last weekend with a knee problem.
Roberto Martinez will check over the fitness of a quartet of players ahead of the visit of Norwich. Ross Barkley is a doubt after picking up a toe problem in the FA cup win over QPR. In defence, Leighton Baines was missing against QPR due to a back spasm but Martinez expects the left-back to recover, whilst Sylvain Distin and Phil Jagielka “are close to making Saturday, but also on the verge of missing” after recent hamstring problems.
Southampton have been boosted by the possible return of Artur Boruc after a hand injury for the visit of West Brom. In his pre-match press conference, Mauricio Pochettino would only say the Polish stopper “may or may not play” this weekend. The Saints boss also revealed that Rickie Lambert and Gaston Ramirez are “recovering well” and will be assessed going into the clash against West Brom, after the pair were forced off in the cup last weekend.
Michael Laudrup will be without the services of Jonathan de Guzman (calf) and Dwight Tiendalli (hamstring) for Swansea’s trip to Old Trafford. Pablo Hernandez and Roland Lamah are also “two to three weeks” away from a return for the Welsh outfit.
Norwich boss Chris Hughton has confirmed Seb Bassong, Wes Hoolahan and Bradley Johnson are all fit for the encounter with Everton, after the trio missed the FA Cup tie with Fulham last weekend, Meanwhile, Michael Turner and Jonny Howson remain out with hamstring and back injuries respectively. Hughton also revealed Anthony Pilkington and Alex Tettey have returned to light training, and could be pushing for a recall ahead of Hull’s visit to Carrow Road later this month.
Liverpool have suffered a fresh blow in defence with Daniel Agger reportedly out for four weeks with a calf strain. The Danish international limped off in the closing stages of the FA Cup win over Oldham and has since revealed the extent of his injury to the Danish press.
Hull defender Paul McShane is sidelined for three to four weeks with an ankle injury. Sone Aluko (Achilles) and Robbie Brady (groin) are on course for a return at the end of January or early February.
Reports suggest Robin van Persie has returned to training for United but is expected to miss out again this weekend. We await David Moyes’ press conference at 2pm for an official update, however.
The Newcastle press suggest Yohan Cabaye has returned to the club’s training base and will be assessed today as he attempts to overcome an Achilles injury.
All this and more has now been updated in the Team News section ahead of tomorrow’s deadline. Keep an eye on our official Twitter Stream as breaking news unfolds.
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