Steven Gerrard could be set to return for Liverpool’s clash with Hull. Mesut Ozil and Olivier Giroud are ruled out for Arsenal, while Theo Walcott is amongst a number of players to be assessed. Christian Benteke and Ron Vlaar are back in training for Villa. James Collins and James Tomkins are likely to miss out for West Ham’s trip to Fulham. Martin Demichelis is still sidelined for City, Mauricio Pochettino is still uncertain of Artur Boruc’s comeback date as the Saints welcome Chelsea to St Mary’s:
Mesut Ozil, Olivier Giroud and Kieran Gibbs have all been ruled out of Arsenal’s home game against Cardiff in Arsene Wenger’s early morning press conference. The trio join Aaron Ramsey on the sidelines, while Theo Walcott, Tomas Rosicky, Thomas Vermaelen, Jack Wilshere and Nacho Monreal are all to beassessed today.
Brendan Rodgers has revealed Steven Gerrard is back in training and “will see how he is” for tomorrow’s match with Hull. Joe Allen is sidelined for the Reds, whilst Mamadou Sakho is also likely to miss out as Rodgers awaits scan results on the hamstring injury that forced him out of Sunday’s game at Chelsea.
Christian Benteke and Ron Vlaar are back in training ahead of Villa’s crucial trip to Sunderland. Paul Lambert is optimistic over their availability against the Black Cats and confirmed both “look ok”, though will continue to be assessed over the next 24 hours.
West Ham’s injury woes are showing little sign of abating ahead of a trip to Fulham. James Collins and James Tomkins are almost certainly out of the showdown, whilst further up the pitch, Ravel Morrison is also looking unlikely to travel, according to the club’s official website.
Martin Demichelis remains on the sidelines for City, whilst Stevan Jovetic is also ruled out yet again along with Sergio Aguero and Micah Richards as Manuel Pellegrini’s side roll up to the Liberty. Joe Hart is available despite suffering a facial injury against Palace at the weekend.
Shane Long has returned to training ahead of West Brom’s home clash with Newcastle. The forward is expected to recover from a calf complaint, though Victor Anichebe and Chris Brunt remain doubts – the latter is hoping to train this morning. The Baggies have Nicolas Anelka available for selection as the FA investigate his goal celebration against West Ham last weekend.
Marko Arnautovic is expected to recover from illness in time for Stoke’s home game with Everton. Glenn Whelan and Marc Wilson return from one-match suspensions but Andy Wilkinson is out with a heel problem. For the Toffees, Sylvain Distin is expected to shake off a minor hamstring problem sustained against Southampton last weekend – a relief for Roberto Martinez, with Phil Jagielka already ruled out.
Pablo Osvaldo remains a doubt for Southampton’s home game with Chelsea after picking up a leg knock against Newcastle. Saints boss Mauricio Pochettino has also conceded there “is no definite timeline” as to when Artur Boruc will return from a hand injury.
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 as breaking news unfolds.
