Laurent Koscielny is ruled out for Arsenal. Ross Barkley is nearing a return for Everton. West Ham welcome back Mark Noble against Burnley, who are boosted by the availability of Danny Ings and Kieran Trippier. Fabian Delph emerges as a doubt for Villa, but Ron Vlaar is fit again. Mame Diouf and Victor Moses return to training for Stoke, while Hugo Lloris and Nacer Chadli remain doubts for Spurs.
Roberto Martinez has revealed that Seamus Coleman, Steven Pienaar and James McCarthy are all “very close to being available” for the weekend, having missed recent outings through injury. The Everton boss also delivered positive news on Ross Barkley confirming the youngster had “reacted really well” in training following a serious knee injury, though admits it’s too early to tell if Barkley will be involved against Aston Villa.
Laurent Koscielny has added to Arsenal’s injury concerns ahead of the home clash with Hull. Arsene Wenger confirmed that the defender won’t be in contention tomorrow but revealed he won’t need surgery on his troublesome Achilles. Elsewhere, Aaron Ramsey is expected to return for Champions League duties in midweek, Mikel Arteta is available once again, while Tomas Rosicky “should be available” after sustaining a knock on international duties. Theo Walcott and Serge Gnabry have both made a return to full training following long-term injuries, though Wenger has quashed suggestions that either player could be available for the Tigers clash.
West Ham are set to be boosted by the return of Mark Noble from a calf injury. The midfielder has “trained most of this week, so he should be fine”, according to Sam Allardyce. Enner Valencia returned late from international duty and will be monitored, though Allardyce expects the forward to be fine to play against Burnley.
Sean Dyche has confirmed that David Jones, Kieran Trippier, Danny Ings and Nathaniel Chalobah are all in contention for the weekend after recovering from recent injuries. Midfielder Dean Marney remains “touch and go”, while the Clarets Michael Keane (knee) will be assessed and Steven Reid misses out with a minor groin problem.
Villa’s Ron Vlaar is available once again after recovering from a calf injury, though Paul Lambert has revealed that Philippe Senderos is a doubt with a thigh strain. Midfielder Fabian Delph injured his shoulder during the week and is also doubtful for the Toffees clash, though the Villa boss could welcome back Christian Benteke to the starting XI. When pressed on the Belgian’s starting prospects, Lambert revealed that Benteke is “in the squad, and there’s a good chance.”
Alan Pardew has quelled fears that Tim Krul could be sidelined for a period of time with a shoulder problem, by revealing that the Dutch stopper is fit to face Leicester this weekend. Full-backs Daryl Janmaat and Paul Dummett will also be available after recovering from their respective knocks. Meanwhile, the Magpies boss confirmed Gabriel Obertan will retain his place in the starting XI against the Foxes.
Mark Hughes has revealed that Victor Moses and Mame Biram Diouf should both be fit for the weekend, following recent thigh and hamstring problems respectively. Glenn Whelan though, has emerged as a doubt after coming off against Germany in midweek with a knee problem.
Nacer Chadli (hip) and Hugo Lloris (groin) are Mauricio Pochettino’s main injury concerns ahead of the early Saturday kick-off at the Etihad. Emmanuel Adebayor and Nabil Bentaleb are likely to be monitored, having not yet returned from their midweek international trips.
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.
