Wayne Rooney is struggling to be fit for United’s home game with West Ham. Jack Wilshere is handed a two-match ban by the FA. Robert Snodgrass and Ricky Van Wolfswinkel are named in the Norwich squad. Ben Foster is available for West Brom, James Tomkins is back for West Ham, whilst Nathaniel Clyne has returned to training for Southampton:
Reports suggest Wayne Rooney is losing his battle to be fit for the visit of West Ham. The United forward remains a real doubt after missing out in the midweek cup win over Stoke – the Telegraph reckon he may not even be amongst the subs to face Sam Allardyce’s side. Elsewhere, Nemanja Vidic is ready to return after missing the last two games with a minor injury.
James Tomkins has returned to the Hammers squad after missing the midweek cup win at Spurs with an ongoing groin problem, though Sam Allardyce has hinted he’s set to rotate over the busy next few matches.
Ben Foster is back in contention for West Brom’s home game against Hull. Caretaker boss Keith Downing has revealed he has a fully fit squad to choose from, with Nicolas Anelka and Victor Anichebe both available after missing out against Cardiff.
Jack Wilshere has been slapped with a two-match ban for a gesture towards the City fans in last weekend’s defeat at the Etihad. The midfielder misses Arsenal’s upcoming games against Chelsea and West Ham.
Chris Hughton has confirmed Robert Snodgrass and Ricky Van Wolfswinkel will return to the Norwich squad after weeks out with knee and toe injuries respectively. Both players are in contention to start against Sunderland – the Dutchman was ”touch and go” for last week’s trip to Swansea, while the Scot has trained all week.
Sunderland have been boosted by the return of Steven Fletcher and Jack Colback for the home game with Norwich. Both players missed the midweek cup victory over Chelsea with illness but are back in training – Kieran Westwood and Carlos Cuellar remain sidelined for the Black Cats, though.
Gerhard Tremmel is set to start between the sticks for Swansea’s game with Everton, with Michel Vorm sidelined due to knee surgery. Chico Flores is available after serving a one-match ban and recovering from a knee problem, while Leon Britton has recovered from a toe problem.
Villa skipper Ron Vlaar is still struggling to overcome a calf problem, Paul Lambert conceded yesterday. Chris Herd is set to return to the Villa squad, though, as they make their way to the Britannia.
Mauricio Pochettino is optimistic of a return to action for Nathaniel Clyne against Spurs this weekend. Earlier this morning, the Southampton boss revealed the defender is back in training and will be assessed prior to Sunday’s clash at St Mary’s.
All this and more has now been updated in the Team News section ahead of tomorrow’s deadline. Keep an eye on our official Twitter stream for breaking news as Friday’s press conferences unfold.
