Arsene Wenger rules out Mathieu Debuchy for three months. Kieran Trippier is expected to shake off a hamstring problem for Burnley. Erik Pieters remains a doubt for Stoke, James McArthur has been passed fit for Palace, whilst Raheem Sterling is set to return for Liverpool this weekend.
Arsene Wenger has confirmed that Mathieu Debuchy will be sidelined for up to three months after undergoing surgery on his dislocated shoulder. Mikel Arteta will also be out of action for three months, having successfully undergone ankle surgery. Elsewhere, Wenger has ruled out Danny Welbeck for the Etihad clash, while Kieran Gibbs will be monitored after returning to training later today.
Kieran Tripper was withdrawn with a tight hamstring in Wednesday evening’s cup tie against Spurs Sean Dyche alleviated any concerns by suggesting that the defender should be fit for the weekend. The Clarets are hopeful on club captain Jason Shackell, who missed the cup defeat to Spurs with a calf complaint.
Nigel Pearson could again be without Esteban Cambiasso for the visit of Stoke, with the midfielder yet to fully train following injury. Danny Drinkwater is in contention for the weekend, while Pearson has suggested that fellow midfielder Dean Hammond is a “unlikely to be available” for the Potters clash. The Foxes boss is also hopeful that the paperwork will be completed in time to allow new signing Andrej Kramaric to figure at the weekend.
Gaston Ramirez and Sone Aluko are both set to train today ahead of Hull’s trip to Upton Park. Steve Bruce is set for a reshuffle up front, though, with Nikica Jelavic and Abel Hernandez both ruled out for up to six weeks.
Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers has confirmed that Raheem Sterling is available for selection once again, following the youngster’s short mid-season break. Rodgers has also gone on to reveal that Adam Lallana is ahead of schedule on his comeback from a thigh problem and will be monitored along with Steven Gerrard and Glen Johnson. Daniel Sturridge though, remains sidelined for the Aston Villa trip.
Mark Hughes is optimistic that Steven Nzonzi will be fit to face Leicester, though the Potters boss is sweating on the fitness of Erik Pieters, after the pair were withdrawn at the break in the loss to Arsenal. Furthermore, Victor Moses returned to the squad against the Gunners after recovering from injury, and Hughes has suggested that the winger now “looks sharp and is ready to go.”
Joe Cole could be set to miss the meeting with ex-club Liverpool at the weekend, after picking up a hamstring injury at Leicester. In more positive news, Nathan Baker is expected to return to the squad after injury, with Villa also welcoming back Fabian Delph from suspension.
Ahead of Palace’s trip to Burnley, Alan Pardew has revealed that James McArthur has recovered from the foot problem that forced him off in the win over Spurs last week.
Winston Reid and Guy Demel have both returned to light training and “have a chance” of making Sunday’s home clash with Hull, according to Sam Allardyce earlier this morning.
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.
