We roll out a new early-week regular this afternoon. Essentially, we take a quick look at the new names taking their place on the top-flight’s treatment tables and give you a heads-up on the injury worries sustained over the weekend. As always, you can track all the outs and doubts throughout the week via our injuries and bans table.
Arsenal
Arsene Wenger confirmed Mesut Ozil missed out of the 4-1 win over Sunderland after picking up a thigh problem but reckons the German “should be available” for next week’s trip to Stoke. Both Laurent Koscielny (back) and Nacho Monreal (foot) were subbed off in the second half, whilst Jack Wilshere – who played the full 90 minutes – has a tight hamstring.
Aston Villa
Paul Lambert revealed after the 1-0 defeat to Newcastle that his decisions to sub off both Ryan Bertrand and Ashley Westwood were enforced. The left-back had been struggling with a virus prior to the match, whilst Westwood sustained a dead leg and was unable to continue.
Chelsea
John Obi Mikel missed out with an unspecified injury, whilst Oscar lasted until half-time before being replaced by Ramires. After the game, Jose Mourinho explained the Brazilian’s withdrawal ahead of the midweek clash with Galatasaray:
“Today he was saying he could cope with the pain, it’s not a dangerous one, just a painful one. He said he could cope with the situation, clearly he couldn’t. We have three days so let’s see. With Mikel and David Luiz, I don’t know.”
Everton
Lacina Traore was named in the starting line-up for Saturday’s trip to The Bridge but picked up a hamstring problem during the pre-match warm-up and was replaced in the XI by Steven Naismith.
Hull
Both Tom Huddlestone and Alex Bruce were subbed off with knocks, according to reports in the local press. The pair were withdrawn on 63 minutes and 71 minutes of the 4-0 rout but are expected to be available for this evening’s FA Cup clash with Brighton.
Man City
Stevan Jovetic lasted just 13 minutes of Saturday’s win over Stoke before falling foul to injury. The forward emerged from the bench to replace Alvaro Negredo on 56 minutes but was quickly subbed off for Javi Garcia after sustaining a hamstring problem.
Newcastle
Hatem Ben Arfa missed out for the Magpies after picking up a knock which prevented him from training prior to the visit of Villa. Reports in the local press revealed Davide Santon was rested by Alan Pardew due to an ongoing knee problem.
Swansea
Neil Taylor was afforded a rare start at left-back for the Swans after Ben Davies missed yesterday’s defeat to Liverpool with “a slight calf problem,” according to the club’s official match report. After bagging a first-half wonder goal, Jonjo Shelvey was withdrawn at the break with a recurrence of a hamstring problem.
Tottenham
Tim Sherwood missed two of the back-four that started the previous Gameweek, after Kyle Walker and Younes Kaboul were ruled out of the trip to Norwich with hip and calf knocks respectively. Etienne Capoue lasted just 14 minutes of the Carrow Road defeat before limping off – he subsequently left the ground on crutches.
West Brom
Billy Jones was forced off just prior to half-time in the Baggies draw with Fulham. A tactical reshuffle saw Victor Anichebe replace the stricken defender – Pepe Mel admitted the Nigerian was only fit enough for the bench after picking up a knock in training.
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