Our regular Monday look around the treatment rooms arrives this afternoon as we scour the top-flight for confirmation of any new injuries sustained over the weekend. Southampton have worries over their Senegalese attacker, Everton’s issues at left-back increase, whilst Spurs are sweating over the availability of their Danish playmaker.
Crystal Palace
Following the death of his father, Yannick Bolasie was afforded compassionate leave for the Eagles’ victory over Aston Villa. Commenting on the tragic news, Alan Pardew will allow the DR Congo international time to grieve:
“Ironically he (Sako) wasn’t going to start. Yala was in a great place and then, bless his heart, he has this terrible news about his father. That win was for him and his family and I hope it gives them a lift. I’m not putting him under any pressure to come back. It’s about him and his family and when he feels comfortable. I couldn’t care less if it takes three weeks.”
Pardew – who is without Patrick Bamford’s services against parent club Chelsea this weekend – reckons Connor Wickham is also likely to miss out at the Bridge:
“He got kneed in the ribs against on Arsenal. He tried to train on Wednesday but couldn’t take the pain so we think he will probably miss Chelsea as well and then he will be okay.”
Everton
Brendan Galloway was substituted in the dying embers of the first half against Manchester City after picking up a knee injury. Roberto Martinez later revealed that the 19-year-old suffered a knock to his patella tendon, with an assessment forthcoming over the next few days. In better news, the Spanish boss confirmed that Bryan Oviedo should be able to cover for Galloway as he approaches a return to first-team action:
“Brendan has been terrific and we as a football club are ready to give young players an opportunity. He picked up a patella tendon problem that we’ll assess in the next 24 to 48 hours. It’s probably more to do with his age and the fact he’s still growing rather than a structural injury. Bryan Oviedo is fully fit and needs a bit of match fitness now. Hopefully we’ll see him on the pitch very soon.”
Manchester City
Nicolas Otamendi was not part of the Sky Blues’ squad for their 2-0 win over Everton due to his lack of a work permit. The Home Office are expected to clear the former Valencia defender by the middle of next week, freeing him up for a home tie against Watford.
Southampton
Sadio Mane had to be replaced by Shane Long after just 25 minutes of the Saints’ home encounter against Watford. Ronald Koeman was keen to play down the severity of the injury, expressing hope that the fleet-footed winger will be passed fit for their midweek Europea League tie:
“He had a kick on his hip. It looks not so bad, but we’ll have to wait. He was not good enough to continue. I hope that we will have everybody available for Thursday, Sadio as well.”
Sunderland
Earlier this afternoon, Dick Advocaat confirmed that Billy Jones won’t be available for tomorrow evening’s cup clash against Exeter due to injury.
Tottenham
Christian Eriksen sat out Spurs’ 1-1 draw at the King Power Stadium due to a knee injury, as confirmed by the club’s official website.
Meanwhile, Mauricio Pochettino said that new arrival Clinton Njie could make his debut in the Gameweek 4 clash against Everton, having secured his work permit and negotiated a week of training:
“He was in France for his work permit and maybe next week he will be available. First, he needs to train more with the group.”
West Bromwich Albion
Saido Berahino was absent from the Baggies’ matchday squad for their 3-2 home defeat against Chelsea, fuelling speculation that he’s poised for a much-mooted transfer to Tottenham. Pressed on the situation, Tony Pulis rejected the opportunity to explain Berahino’s no-show:
“It’s absolutely ridiculous we are talking about something outside of football. I have said what I have said about the transfer window; if you close it before the season starts then everybody can concentrate on the football. There are a lot of clubs being affected by it being open and we are playing Chelsea today – the champions – and we are not talking football, which is down to the system.”
Suspensions
John Terry received a second yellow card for pulling at West Brom striker Salomon Rondon as he raced clear of the Blues’ rearguard, meaning the Chelsea captain will miss a home clash against Palace next Gameweek. Offering his verdict after the match, Jose Mourinho declined to bemoan the decision and instead highlighted the work they’ve done in training to cope with a one-man disadvantage:
“I prefer to focus on us. To speak about the sending off I have to speak about many other things in the game – some you can see, others we can see, so many things. I have to do what is in my hands which is to train. We have to train 10 against 11. We have done it a couple of times already in Canada. We have to do it more because we have to know what to do with 10 men when you are winning, or losing, or chasing a result. The difference between today and Swansea was exactly that. Against Swansea we had 10 and we wanted to change the result, and today we had 10 and we wanted to keep the result. We must have clear ideas about it so it’s something we have to do in training, and that is the only thing in our hands.”
Carl Jenkinson was sent off for fouling Bournemouth midfielder Max Gradel as he burst into the penalty box. The Arsenal loanee now sits out the Hammers’ trip to Anfield next weekend, with James Tomkins expected to cover at the right-back berth.
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