It’s been a busy today for Premier League managers, with all 20 press conferences taking place ahead of Sunday’s finale. For Fantasy managers, Eden Hazard’s dental problems remain the biggest concern.
Hazard is a major doubt for Chelsea’s home encounter with Sunderland after picking up an infection after undergoing dental surgery in midweek. Petr Cech is also uncertain to feature, whilst Cesc Fabregas is suspended for the Blues. Mourinho went on to discuss Hazard’s situation:
“He had dental surgery, on three teeth. But now there is infection and he’s in a bit of trouble. He didn’t train today. I hope he can play. But I would never have allowed him to have the surgery if I thought this would happen. His mouth is in trouble.”
Danny Welbeck remains sidelined for the Gunners home clash against West Brom, whilst Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Mathieu Debuchy are back in training but will be short of match fitness. Arsene Wenger has confirmed he might make “one or two changes” but reckons the XI will be similar to the one that started against Sunderland in midweek.
Antolin Alcaraz misses out for Everton’s home encounter against Spurs, whilst Sylvain Distin will be assessed after picking up an illness.
Mario Balotelli is a doubt for Liverpool’s trip to Stoke. Brendan Rodgers has confirmed that Raheem Sterling is available for selection in spite of his agent’s recent suggestions that the player is looking for the Anfield exit door.
Rob Green is set to miss QPR’s trip to Leicester after being forced off with concussion last weekend. Steven Caulker is sidelined with a broken hand, with boss Chris Ramsey revealing he could hand some youngster pitch time at the King Power.
James Collins has been ruled out of West Ham’s trip to Newcastle, though James Tomkins is back in the squad after recovering from a shoulder injury.
Vito Mannone is set to start between the posts for Sunderland’s trip to Chelsea after Costel Pantilimon was ruled out with a knee problem – presumably the after-effects of Wednesday’s collision with Jack Wilshere. Seb Larsson has recovered from his own midweek knock, whilst Danny Graham is rated doubtful due to an ankle injury.
Stephen Ireland is the only new injury concern for Stoke after picking up a back problem ahead of Liverpool’s visit. Mark Hughes has also stated that Asmir Begovic will earn a recall in goal having missed the last three outings.
Alan Pardew has confirmed Palace are “all fit and well” ahead of their home clash with Swansea. Julian Speroni will be rested on Sunday, though, with his testimonial set for next Tuesday.
Wayne Rooney returns for United’s trip to Hull, though David de Gea remains doubtful, with Victor Valdes on standby for his first start.
David Nugent remains sidelined with a calf complaint for Leicester’s home encounter with QPR. Nigel Pearson has confirmed the Foxes have no new injury concerns for the King Power clash.
Dusan Tadic, Jay Rodriguez and Morgan Schneiderlin have failed to recover fro m injury in time for Southampton’s trip to City.
Brad Friedel could be named in the Spurs squad for the final match of his career, with Michel Vorm rated a doubt due to illness. Emmanuel Adebayor has returned to Togo for family reasons, whilst full-back pair Kyle Walker and Ben Davies miss out once again.
John Carver has hinted he’s considering starting Papiss Cisse for Newcastle’s vital home clash with West Ham. Siem de Jong has stepped up his recovery and could make the Magpies’ bench.
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.
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