Mesut Ozil limps out of Arsenal’s win over Everton. Liverpool’s Roberto Firmino misses out at St Mary’s due to a hamstring problem, whilst Man City are sweating over Joe Hart’s fitness after he was forced off in yesterday’s derby loss to United.
Arsenal
Mesut Ozil (ankle) and David Ospina (back) sustained minor knocks during Arsenal’s 2-0 win at Everton, which Arsene Wenger believes will dissipate within a matter of days:
“Both are similar kicks and a few days should heal their problems. I don’t think it is a basic problem.”
Although Ozil drew his third successive blank on the weekend, Arsenal’s swashbuckling display at Goodison Park bodes well for his attacking potential ahead of a favourable schedule that includes back-to-back home ties in Gameweek 34 (CRY, WBA). That being said, a portion of his 44% ownership might be tempted to re-invest in Alexis Sanchez, given that the Chilean winger has mustered attacking returns (one goal, three assists) in four of his last five starts in all competitions.
Aston Villa
Micah Richards was absent for Aston Villa’s trip to Swansea but, according to Remi Garde, is expected to be passed fit for Chelsea’s visit next Gameweek:
“It is a groin injury. I don’t think (he will be out long) the doctor has told me it is a light injury.”
Chelsea
Belgium manager Marc Wilmots reckons that Eden Hazard faces some time on the sidelines because of a muscular complaint:
“I have told Hazard to have some rest. We are not too worried about him. He has a muscle injury. He’ll be out for three to four weeks.”
Elsewhere in the Blues camp, Kenedy – who was preferred to Pedro on the left flank in Hazard’s absence against West Ham – was substituted at the break against West Ham United after suffering a head injury.
With Diego Costa suspended for the upcoming trip to Villa, Chelsea’s attack is posing problems for Fantasy managers. Guus Hiddink’s decision to start with Loic Remy up top saw Bertrand Traore handed a second-half sub role against the Hammers last weekend, and whilst Willian offers a greater security of starts, the Brazilian has stuttered for form in recent outings and picked up points in just two of his last nine outings as the champions stumble across the finishing line.
Liverpool
Roberto Firmino has withdrawn from international duty due to a hamstring issue that will be assessed by Liverpool during the two-week break.
Considering that the Reds chalked up five more goals (13) than any team in their previous four outings and enjoy two double Gameweeks over the run-in, Firmino – who’s recorded five goals and four assists in six starts – had been pinpointed as a prime target. In the event that the former Hoffenheim star is sidelined, though, Philippe Coutinho (three goals in five starts across all competitions) has also staked a claim after netting at St Mary’s yesterday, whilst Adam Lallana has stepped up his output considerably, racking up three goals and trio of assists in six league appearances.
Manchester City
Manuel Pellegrini confirmed that Joe Hart (calf) and Raheem Sterling (groin) are likely to be out of action for around a month after picking up injuries during Manchester City’s 1-0 home defeat to Manchester United:
“Both of them have muscle injuries – Raheem in his groin; Joe in his calf. I don’t think muscle injuries can heal in one week. They normally need three or four weeks.”
Although Willy Caballero (4.8) represents a cut-price punt in the absence of Hart, few Fantasy managers will have confidence in a rearguard that’s without its first-choice shot-stopper and talismanic captain. In terms of securing Sky Blues defensive coverage for their double Gameweek 34 (che, new), Nicolas Otamendi – who’s expected to return for their trip to Bournemouth after the international break – is currently the only safe selection, though it’s fair to say that the Argentine has done little to justify his 6.5 price tag of late.
Newcastle United
Rafa Benitez explained that Aleksandar Mitrovic was ushered off the pitch in the final moments of the Tyne-Wear derby after losing consciousness due to a clash of heads:
“The positive thing was he wanted to play. The good thing about the doctor is he was stopping him, just in case. I think he was right because he lost his consciousness. You have to protect the player.”
Further compounding the Magpies’ defensive issues, Daryl Janmaat left the field at the 71-minute mark with a knee problem that has since ruled him out of Holland duties over the break.
Norwich City
Robbie Brady injured his shoulder during Norwich City’s priceless 1-0 win over West Bromwich Albion and now faces a scan to determine his availability for Ireland’s international friendlies. Speaking on the goalscorer, Alex Neil played down fears over the severity of Brady’s complaint:
“We’ll see what happens over the next 48 hours. He might wake up tomorrow really stiff and can’t turn his neck. In which case I don’t think he’ll be available for the games but he might wake up fine. He landed on his neck and his left eye got a bit blurred, in terms of vision, so we didn’t want to take any chances and we got him off. It was just the fact he landed on his neck. He’ll be fine, he is a hardy lad.”
Swansea City
Neil Taylor missed Swansea’s head-to-head against Villa with a dead leg but will still team up with Wales ahead of their friendlies against Northern Ireland and Ukraine. Staying within the Swans camp, Stephen Kingsley was subbed off at the 86-minute mark with a knock.
West Ham United
Sam Byram was ruled out of the Hammers’ trip to Stamford Bridge after suffering a “minor knock” in training.
Suspensions
Newcastle’s Jack Colback became the latest player to topple off the Suspension Tightrope after collecting his tenth caution of the campaign in yesterday’s Tyne-Wear derby. The versatile midfielder – who was utilised at left-back against Sunderland – will miss upcoming league encounters against Norwich and Southampton.
Elsewhere, Diego Costa and Gareth Barry both serve the second of two-match bans and will miss the upcoming clashes against Villa and United respectively.
