Stoke joined Fulham in gaining some competitive action last night as Tony Pulis’ side kicked off their own Europa Cup adventure with a 1-0 win at the Britannia. Elsewhere, Sir Alex Ferguson dismissed claims of a long-term head injury to Javier Hernandez, scuppering suggestions made by Little Pea’s old club doctor that the player has suffered similar issues with concussion before. Here’s your morning Scout Scribbles:
With Javier Hernandez currently sidelined for Man United due to concussion, confusion surrounds the player’s condition. Rafael Ortega, doctor at Chivas de Guadalajara, told ESPN Sports Radio club that, as a teenager, Hernandez was sent for tests following a bout of severe migraine attacks:
I remember in his time as a youth player at Chivas that he suffered from acute migraines – originally, it manifested itself as a headache. Afterwards, the symptoms disappeared. We had some studies done on him, but that was six years ago and he has done well since. I don’t know if there is a connection between the two situations. I don’t know if this can affect him in the future.
Sir Alex Ferguson has moved swiftly to deny Ortega’s claims, however, explaining the situation in a little more detail:
This is a straightforward concussion. He was hit on the top of the head with the ball in the early evening. When he was back at the hotel taking his meal he felt sick and he was sick. He had headaches, so we removed him to the hospital where he stayed in overnight.
They did the MRI scans and that was all clear and they released him on Wednesday. Concussion is something that you don’t want to happen, but usually time heals and we’ll give ‘Chicharito’ plenty of time. I’ll only bring him back when the doctor tells me I can.”
Fergie also had plenty to say on new signing Phil Jones. The player was fielded at right-back in Wednesday’s 4-0 win over the MLS All-Stars and it’s clear Jones’ new boss sees him as one of the most adaptable member of his Man United squad already. This may bode well for Jones next season- with his manager lauding his versatility, it’s possible he’ll get more starts than anticipated in his debut campaign, offering the United boss cover in a number of positions.
Fulham’s Matthew Briggs continues to blink on our Fantasy radars. Briggs was given yet another start by Martin Jol for Fulham last night as the club continued their Europa League qualifying campaign, but played, this time, in left midfield. A left-back by trade, Briggs is a 4.0 defender in Fantasy Premier League (FPL) and has been getting plenty game time so far under the new boss. Clint Dempsey’s return next week will perhaps give a better indication as to how Jol views matters- the American has been on holiday due to his international exertions with the US this summer.
Stoke’s first foray into Europe for thirty-seven years saw the club get off to a winning start. The 1-0 win over Hajduk Split saw Jonathan Walters grab the game’s only goal and once again remind us of his potential as an out-of-position player this upcoming season. Walters was fielded mostly as a forward by Tony Pulis last term but has, once again, been classified as a midfielder by FPL, and a relatively cheap one (6.0) at that. Judging by last night’s line-up, Walters looks set to continue up front next season, partnering Kenwyne Jones in Pulis’ standard 4-4-2 and may well prove to be a real Fantasy bargain in 2011/12.
Following his side’s goalless draw at Southend last night, Paul Lambert confirmed both Elliott Ward and James Vaughan will miss the start of next season. Lambert was particularly impressed by debutant Kyle Naughton- the on-loan Tottenham full-back should be an integral member of the Canaries first XI in the upcoming campaign but priced at 4.5, is the costliest Norwich defender available, alongside fellow loan signing Ritchie De Laet.
Roberto Martinez continues to lavish praise on Victor Moses. Having been given a starting role in light of Charles N’Zogbia’s imminent move to Aston Villa, the youngster has now scored three times in pre-season and looks set to become a key figure for Wigan next season in his manager’s eyes.
He’s a special talent. Charlie has left a big hole in our team but that vacancy is a big opportunity for Victor and maybe a couple of other players to step up. Victor is a different kind of player to Charlie but has the same quality that sets players like that apart from the rest.’
Priced at a mere 5.0 in FPL, Fantasy managers are eyeing Moses up with intent right now, particularly given the kind start to the season that sees the club play all three promoted sides in their first three games (NOR, swa, QPR).
