Wayne Rooney and Robin van Persie are back in full training ahead of United’s clash with Cardiff. Roberto Martinez has worries over three defensive regulars, Aaron Ramsey returns for Arsenal, West Ham’s defensive problems ease, whilst Yohan Cabaye edges towards a move to PSG:
Manchester United have received a welcome boost after key duo Robin van Persie and Wayne Rooney both returned to full training following thigh and groin injuries respectively. The pair are in contention to feature against Cardiff, along with fit-again Marouane Fellaini and new recruit Juan Mata.
Yohan Cabaye looks poised to swap Tyneside for the French capital, after reports suggest Newcastle have agreed a fee with PSG for his services. The Magpies will be without Papiss Cisse against the Canaries due to a back problem, whilst Yoan Gouffran is also expected to miss out.
In yesterday’s team news bulletin, Arsene Wenger revealed that Aaron Ramsey, Mikel Arteta and Thomas Vermaelen were all back in the squad for Arsenal’s trip to St Mary’s. Jack Wilshere is a doubt for the trip to the South Coast, though, after picking up an ankle problem in the cup victory over Coventry at the weekend. The Arsenal boss also suggested that fellow midfielder Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain is not yet fully fit, after returning from injury last week.
Ahead of the Merseyside derby, Roberto Martinez is monitoring several players, including the defensive trio of Seamus Coleman, Sylvain Distin and Phil Jagielka, with the latter’s withdrawal at the weekend being a precautionary measure. Winger Gerard Deulofeu is expected to be available for the Gameweek 25 trip to Spurs a week on Sunday.
West Ham’s defensive problems have eased with Big Sam revealing that Winston Reid is back in training for the first time following several weeks out through injury. However, the New Zealand international won’t be considered for the London derby with Chelsea in midweek, though both George McCartney and Joey O’Brien have recovered from recent injuries for the Stamford Bridge showdown.
West Brom have mixed injury news ahead of the Midlands derby, with Pepe Mel revealing that Gareth McAuley has returned to full fitness after missing the Everton clash with a hamstring injury. Stephane Sessegnon will be sidelined for a month as he undergoes minor surgery to cure a groin problem.
Brendan Rodgers will check on Joe Allen’s fitness ahead of the Merseyside derby, after the midfielder missed the weekend cup win over Bournemouth with a hamstring problem. The Liverpool boss ruled out Mamadou Sakho once more, suggesting that the defender is still “two to three weeks away” from a return.
Victor Wanyama could make his comeback from injury against the Gunners, with Mauricio Pochettino confirming the midfielder has been in training for over a week. The midfielder may get “some minutes” but Rickie Lambert will be assessed after missing the cup victory over Yeovil with a hamstring complaint.
All this and more has now been updated in the Team News section ahead of tonight’s deadline. Keep an eye on our official Twitter stream as breaking news unfolds.
