The problems mount for West Ham in defence ahead of their trip to the Emirates. Arsenal’s Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain is out for up to four weeks with a hamstring injury. Tim Sherwood could welcome back Christian Benteke and Ron Vlaar to the Aston Villa set-up, Baggies boss Tony Pulis sweats on the fitness of three of his strikers, while Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard is available for Monday’s trip to Swansea.
West Ham forward Enner Valencia lacerated his big toe in a freak domestic accident that involved stepping on a broken teacup. The 25-year-old Ecuadorian required stitches and, according to manager Sam Allardyce, is unlikely to feature in the Hammers’ trip to Arsenal on Saturday. Winston Reid is unavailable due to a hamstring problem, whilst Big Sam – who is also without the on-loan Carl Jenkinson against his parent club – has been hit with another blow in defence after James Tomkins sustained a suspected dislocated shoulder in training yesterday.
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain has been ruled out for three-to-four weeks with the hamstring injury that forced him off during Monday’s cup win at United. Arsene Wenger has also conceded he’s uncertain when Jack Wilshere will be available to return due to ongoing ankle concerns. Mikel Arteta has returned to full training and is expected to be available for selection in three weeks’ time.
Steven Gerrard declared himself available for Liverpool’s face-off with Swansea City this Gameweek. The talismanic skipper has recovered from a hamstring complaint that kept him sidelined for the Reds’ previous seven matches.
Aston Villa boss Tim Sherwood could be boosted by reinforcements at both ends of the pitch, with news that Christian Benteke and Ron Vlaar are set for late fitness tests ahead of the Sunderland clash. Furthermore, Libor Kozak is on the comeback trail – after he broke his leg more than a year ago – and returned to full training this week, though is still a couple of weeks away from a first-team comeback.
Leicester City manager Nigel Pearson has few injuries to contend with as he prepares for their home encounter with Hull City. Dean Hammond (calf injury) and Anthony Knockaert (family reasons) are the only absentees, with goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel back in the squad following a broken metatarsal.
Mo Diame is still absent with a knee injury for Hull, though manager Steve Bruce has confirmed the midfielder is set to return to training next week.
Tony Pulis faces an injury crisis up top on the eve of the Baggies’ clash against Stoke City, with Victor Anichebe, Saido Berahino and Brown Ideye all doubts for the fixture. In addition, winger Callum McManaman is expected to be sidelined for two to three weeks after he took several blows to his injured foot in recent substitute appearances.
Meanwhile, Chris Brunt could be available for selection against the Black Cats despite being charged by the FA for allegedly directing threatening words at referee Anthony Taylor in West Brom’s Fa Cup defeat. The 30-year-old midfielder has opted for a personal hearing next week, which should enable him to feature in Gameweek 29.
Sean Dyche confirmed that Burnley boast a clean bill of health as they gear up for a visit from Manchester City. Matt Taylor is nearing a return after he clocked 70 minutes for the Development Squad on Tuesday but needs more match fitness before he’s reinstated into the first team.
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