Christian Benteke is ruled out for at least six months with an Achilles injury. Aaron Ramsey is back for Arsenal. Moussa Sissoko adds to Newcastle’s injury problems. Marouane Chamakh returns for Crystal Palace. Scott Parker is available for Fulham, but Kostas Mitroglou will miss out. Mark Hughes rules Robert Huth out for the rest of the season, whilst Victor Anichebe is back for the Baggies:
Aston Villa were rocked yesterday after it was confirmed that Christian Benteke would be ruled out for at least six months, having ruptured an Achilles tendon in training. Elsewhere Gabby Agbonlahor will be assessed after missing training during the week with a sickness bug. Karim El Ahmadi is also struggling with the thigh strain that ruled him out of the United game last week, and is doubtful to face Fulham, though Nathan Baker will return to the squad after missing last Saturday’s Old Trafford loss with a foot injury.
Roberto Martinez doesn’t expect Phil Jagielka to be ready for Sunday’s home game against Arsenal, as the centre-half continues to struggle with a hamstring problem. The Toffees boss is a lot more optimistic on Ross Barkley, though – the youngster is still being assessed after picking up a calf problem last weekend but Martinez revealed he is ”very much positive” he will be available.
Newcastle’s injury woes have worsened with Alan Pardew revealing that midfielder Moussa Sissoko may miss the next two to three weeks with a hamstring strain. Loic Remy has also been ruled out, contrary to last week’s suggestions that he would be fit to face Man United this weekend. Newcastle also remain without injured pair Mathieu Debuchy and Tim Krul for the visit of United.
Arsene Wenger has confirmed Aaron Ramsey is back in the Arsenal squad for Sunday’s Goodison showdown after finally recovering from a thigh injury. Nacho Monreal also returns for the Gunners, though Kieran Gibbs and Serge Gnabry are both doubtful. Laurent Koscielny (calf) remains sidelined, however, with Wenger commenting; ‘The earliest [he will be back] is next week, the latest is the week after.’ Jack Wilshere and Mesut Ozil also remain on the treatment table, though Abou Diaby has returned to training for the Gunners.
Tony Pulis has confirmed that Marouane Chamakh is in contention for Saturday’s crunch clash with Cardiff after missing the last four league games with a hamstring strain. “Chamakh has trained all week and he is ready to go”, revealed the Eagles boss.
Fulham have no fresh injury worries ahead of their visit to Villa Park at the weekend, with Felix Magath also confirming that Scott Parker has returned to training after recovering from injury. Kostas Mitroglou remains sidelined, whilst Fernando Amorebieta returns to the squad after serving a suspension. Darren Bent is ineligible to face his parent club.
Stoke boss Mark Hughes has confirmed the news that Robert Huth will miss the remainder of the season with a knee injury. Meanwhile, Oussama Assaidi remains out with a knee problem, though Stoke will be boosted by Jon Walters’ return from suspension.
Pepe Mel has revealed that both Claudio Yacob and Billy Jones have returned to training and will be assessed ahead of the trip to Carrow Road. Victor Anichebe is set to be fit to face the Canaries having recovered from a hamstring injury. Chris Brunt, though, remains sidelined for the Baggies who will have Jonas Olsson available once again following suspension.
Finally, Mauricio Pochettino has suggested that midfielder Victor Wanyama could return from injury this weekend and will be assessed later today.
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.
