Last night’s international round-up was typically fraught with panic for Fantasy managers. Most Premier League players survived relatively unscathed, though the prognosis on the odd one or two is still awaited. A few more days till Tuesday’s matches then we can start planning again…
France coach Laurent Blanc is sweating over the availability of Yohan Cabaye and Patrice Evra. At a post-match press conference last night, Blanc confirmed the pair have suffered ankle and thigh injuries respectively but admitted he’s uncertain as to whether they’ll be fit for Tuesday’s game with Bosnia:
It is too soon to tell. We will assess the situation tomorrow and we will likely decide on Sunday if they can play.
While Newcastle and Man United anxiously await the prognosis for both, reports suggest Cabaye is positive over the knock. French football writer Matt Spiro tweeted after the 3-0 win over Albania:
Had a chat with Cabaye after France game. Doesn’t seem to worry about ankle injury. Can’t stop saying positive things about Newcastle!
Ashley Young also gave Man United cause for concern last night. Having scored then assisted England’s two goals in Moldova, the winger was withdrawn just after an hour and subsequently held an ice pack to his knee.
Switzerland’s game with Wales saw Philippe Senderos tweak a muscle in the warm-up. The centre half has been out of favour at Fulham over the last few weeks, though, and has failed to see any game time since Gameweek four, despite Aaron Hughes’ knock.
Michael Dawson has suffered a setback in his recovery from an Achilles injury. The centre half hasn’t featured for Spurs since Gameweek three, though luckily for Harry Redknapp, Ledley King has been able to defy his own knee problems and fill in alongside Younes Kaboul for four games on the spin now. Redknapp had hoped Dawson would be back earlier than the initial two month prognosis, but the centre half revealed he’s had to slow down his rehabilitation:
I was outside running earlier in the week but the Achilles was still a little sore, so I’ve had to take a step back and concentrate on working in the gym.
Spurs received more bad news on the injury front yesterday. Tom Huddlestone has undergone surgery on his recurring ankle problem and is expected to be sidelined for at least six weeks. The midfielder hasn’t featured since last August, though the recent acquisition of Scott Parker has more than lessened the blow.
Reports suggest Nemanja Vidic is on course to fit for Man United’s match with Liverpool a week today. The Serbian has been sidelined since the opening day of the season with a calf injury but has been given permission to join up with his international squad this week. If he starts and subsequently comes through Tuesday’s game with Slovenia, Vidic looks likely to play some part in next weekend’s showdown.
Liverpool’s Glen Johnson has also penciled in the Anfield match as his comeback game. The right-back aggravated his hamstring in last month’s away loss at Stoke but speaking to liverpoolfc.tv yesterday, feels confident of being available:
I’m feeling good at the moment and I’ve been doing plenty of running. I’ve just started doing ball work outside in training so I reckon it won’t be too long now. I’m working hard and it would be nice to be back in the squad for the Man United game. Hopefully I can make the bench anyway, so fingers crossed.
Leon Osman has been talking of his new role at Everton in light of Mikel Arteta’s departure to Arsenal. In an interview with the club’s official website, he was asked if he’d taken on more responsibility since the Spaniard’s departure and Osman replied:
Most probably, yes. I have found myself playing a bit more centrally, which has been good for me and hopefully I can continue to do so. The more I can get on the ball, the better. I am sure any footballer will tell you they want to be on the ball and I like to get on it and make things happen.
Injury-jinxed Kieron Dyer faces further time on the sidelines at QPR. The midfielder lasted just six minutes of the season opener before limping out with a foot injury but has suffered a serious setback and is unlikely to be available for selection before Christmas.
