Everton’s defensive problems continue as Seamus Coleman and Sylvain Distin remain on the sidelines for the visit of Villa. Arsene Wenger rules Jack Wilshere out Sunday’s clash with Palace. Papiss Cisse and Yoan Gouffran are both still doubts for Newcastle, whilst Loic Remy loses his red card appeal. Rickie Lambert looks set to return for Southampton, though Gabby Agbonlahor is still a concern for Villa:
Arsene Wenger has revealed that Jack Wilshere will miss the visit of Crystal Palace this weekend with an ongoing ankle injury, though hopes the England international will be available against Liverpool the week after. Wenger also conceded Aaron Ramsey will remain sidelined for four-to-six weeks after a thigh injury setback. Mathieu Flamini is suspended after his red card against Southampton, though Tomas Rosicky will return to the squad following surgery on his nose.
Everton’s defensive issues don’t look like abating this week. Roberto Martinez confirmed tomorrow’s game with Villa will come too soon for both Sylvain Distin and Seamus Coleman, whilst Antolin Alcaraz looks set to be out “for a while” with muscle fatigue. Though Martinez does expect the pair to be available for the game against Tottenham next weekend. Elsewhere, the Everton boss has confirmed that new recruit Lacina Traore is still 10-14 days away from recovering from a hamstring problem.
Paul Lambert has confirmed that Gabby Agbonlahor remains “touch and go” for the trip to Goodison Park, after a foot injury ruled him out of the Midlands derby in midweek. The forward will be assessed again but his manager has admitted the Toffees showdown may well be too soon.
Rickie Lambert has returned to full training ahead of Southampton’s trip to Fulham. Additionally, Mauricio Pochettino could be set to hand fit-again Victor Wanyama his first start since Gameweek 14 after he returned to the Saints squad in midweek.
Cardiff’s Mark Hudson looks likely to miss out with the hamstring problem that forced him off against United in midweek. Earlier this morning, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer also confirmed Jordan Mutch and Kevin Theophile-Catherine are both in contention to return for tomorrow’s home game against Norwich.
Alan Pardew will assess the fitness of attackers Yoan Gouffran and Papiss Cisse ahead of the Tyne-Wear derby. The pair missed the stalemate with Norwich in midweek through injury and remain doubtful for the weekend. New signing Luuk de Jong is available after completing his move this week, however the forward is unlikely to be handed a start against Sunderland.
Meanwhile, the Football Association have dismissed Newcastle’s appeal against the red card handed to Loic Remy in midweek. The striker will now serve a three-match suspension with immediate effect. There was good news for Norwich, though, with the FA rescinding Bradley Johnson’s red card for his part in the Remy clash last Tuesday evening.
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.
