A somewhat vague Michael Laudrup reveals there’s “a possibility” Michu could return against Villa tomorrow. Newcastle are without Danny Simpson for the next “three to four weeks” according to Alan Pardew, after the right-back broke a toe in Saturday’s loss at Arsenal.
Samir Nasri is banned for three games after City decided not to appeal his sending off at Norwich. Martin Jol hopes to have Damien Duff and Mark Schwarzer back for Fulham’s trip to West Brom. Chelsea confirm Petr Cech picked up a groin injury in yesterday’s win at Everton, Adam Lallana is ruled out again for Southampton, though Nathaniel Clyne will undergo a late fitness test. Everton lose Darron Gibson for a month with a groin injury, while Stoke’s Andy Wilkinson is expected to recover from the concussion that forced him off at the weekend in time for the trip to City. Jose Enrique misses out for Liverpool, while Sunderland, in opposition at Anfield, will be missing John O’Shea – both are stricken by hamstring injuries.
All this and more is collected and collated in our team news section, along with our current predicted lineups ahead of the New Year fixtures. You can keep in touch with the very latest via our twitter feed as always.
