Danny Drinkwater is set to start the first of a three-match ban as Leicester entertain Middlesbrough. Joe Allen is suspended for Stoke’s trip to Watford, whilst Danny Rose and Toby Alderweireld are both unavailable for Spurs’ visit to Stamford Bridge.
Danny Drinkwater serves the first of a three-match ban after being retrospectively found guilty of violent conduct for an altercation with Watford’s Valon Behrami last weekend. Islam Slimani (groin problem) will be assessed, while Ben Chilwell and Nampalys Mendy are not yet available, having only returned to training yesterday. Matty James is also still sidelined for the visit of Middlesbrough.
Aitor Karanka has conceded that George Friend is likely to remain out “for three or four weeks” with a knee problem ahead of Middlesbrough’s trip to the King Power. Daniel Ayala has recovered from an ankle issue and is back in contention.
Toby Alderweireld has returned to training but remains unavailable for Spurs’ trip to Chelsea tomorrow evening, with Mauricio Pochettino hopeful the Belgian could be fit to face Swansea next weekend. Erik Lamela and Ben Davies remain injured, while Danny Rose is suspended.
Mark Hughes is optimistic that Glenn Whelan will be available for Stoke’s clash with Watford. The midfielder has recovered from a hamstring problem but has now picked up a calf complaint ahead of the Vicarage Road clash. Geoff Cameron and Phil Bardsley are sidelined through injury. Joe Allen sits out a one-match suspension, whilst Jack Butland is expected to return to training next week.
Jefferson Montero (hand) and Leon Britton (calf) have both recovered in time for Swansea’s home clash with Palace. Manager Bob Bradley has confirmed that Ki Sung-Yeung is the only absentee – the South Korean is expected to be out for a couple of weeks with a broken toe.
Paddy McNair has been ruled out for months with knee ligament damage as Sunderland make their way to Anfield. Seb Larsson and Jan Kirchhoff are expected to miss out despite recent returns to action for the club’s reserves. Steven Pienaar is available after serving a one-match ban but Papy Djilobodji misses out due to a similar suspension. Jason Denayer has recovered from a hamstring complaint.
Adam Lallana is expected to remain on the sidelines for Liverpool’s clash with Sunderland. Local press confirmed that the midfielder was once again absent from training yesterday ahead of the Black Cats’ visit to Anfield.
Eddie Howe has revealed that Artur Boruc and Andrew Surman remain doubtful for Bournemouth’s trip to the Emirates. Adam Smith is available after serving a one-match ban last week, Jordon Ibe has recovered from illness, though the on-loan Jack Wilshere cannot play against his parent club.
Steve Mandanda remains sidelined with a knee problem as Palace make their way to the Liberty. Loic Remy will be unavailable for another three weeks after sustaining a calf injury.
Tony Pulis will “make a late decision” on Nacer Chadli, as the Belgian steps up his recovery from a knee problem. The Baggies boss conceded his summer signing faces a tough task to return to the first XI in light of his side’s current form. Back-up stopper Boaz Myhill is sidelined with an ankle injury.
Younes Kaboul and Juan Camilo Zuniga are both doubtful for Watford’s home encounter with Stoke. Jose Holebas returns after serving a one-match suspension, though Craig Cathcart, Kenedy and Isaac Success all remain on the sidelines.
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 for breaking news – as the day unfolds, we will issue updates from Friday’s press conferences and refresh our Team News tab accordingly to keep you informed.
