There have been contrasting fortunes for two of the biggest names in Fantasy Premier League this week.
Mohamed Salah was taken off as a precaution in Liverpool’s 3-0 midweek Champions League win over Manchester City due to a groin issue, and while he may be fit to start in the second leg, there’s every chance that the Egyptian will be rested for tomorrow’s Merseyside derby.
But Tottenham Hotspur’s Harry Kane made a quicker than expected comeback following an ankle injury and looks poised to return to the starting XI for tomorrow’s trip to Stoke City.
Elsewhere, Arsenal midfielder Henrikh Mkhitaryan looks set to miss the home meeting with Southampton after limping out of last night’s Europa League encounter with CSKA Moscow.
Here’s our summary of the team news so far, with many of the big name press conferences still to come later today.
Mohamed Salah is expected to sit out the Merseyside derby after picking up a groin problem in the 3-0 win over Manchester City in the UEFA Champions League quarter-final first leg. Jurgen Klopp could move Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain into the front three or hand a rare start up front to Dominic Solanke, mirroring his tactics from the previous clash against the Toffees. Emre Can remains out due to a back problem, while Jordan Henderson looks set to feature as he is suspended for Tuesday’s return trip to the Etihad.
Everton’s Idrissa Gueye remains a doubt ahead of the home meeting with Liverpool due to a muscle problem, but Tom Davies could push for a recall. Ashley Williams is available again after completing his three-match ban.
Harry Kane is likely to push for a recall for the trip to the bet365 Stadium after featuring as a substitute in last weekend’s 3-1 win over Chelsea. His return should see Son Heung-min and Erik Lamela battle for a slot on the flank. At the back, Serge Aurier could come in for Kieran Trippier on the right of defence.
Stoke City boss Paul Lambert will check on Kurt Zouma and Mame Biram Diouf ahead of the home meeting with Spurs. Zouma was able to train on Thursday, though, and is the more likely of the pair to be available.
Arsenal midfielder Henrikh Mkhitaryan is set to miss the home clash against Southampton after suffering a knee problem in last night’s 4-1 win over CSKA Moscow. Danny Welbeck and Alex Iwobi were both utilised as subs and are expected to return to the teamsheet. David Ospina (ankle) is likely to miss out, so Petr Cech will start in goal. Gunners boss Arsene Wenger is again expected to rest some key players ahead of the second leg in Russia on Thursday, despite Thursday’s 4-1 scoreline.
Following the 3-0 defeat to West Ham United, Southampton boss Mark Hughes is expected to make changes for the trip to Emirates. The likes of Shane Long, Guido Carrillo, Sofiane Boufal, James Ward-Prowse, Oriol Romeu and Maya Yoshida may be considered for recalls.
Bournemouth manager Eddie Howe revealed Junior Stanislas will miss the rest of the season after undergoing knee surgery. Adam Smith remains out, while a late decision will be made on Simon Francis (hamstring), who has only just returned to light training, ahead of the home fixture with Crystal Palace.
Eagles forward Christian Benteke has emerged as a doubt ahead of the trip to the Vitality Stadium after picking up a groin injury in training yesterday. Wilfried Zaha and Andros Townsend could be moved up front if t Roy Hodgson opts for a 4-4-2. Meanwhile, the Palace manager revealed that none of their walking wounded are ready to return.
Chris Hughton will again be without the suspended Anthony Knockaert for Brighton & Hove Albion’s home encounter against Huddersfield Town. Midfielder Dale Stephens (hamstring) remains the only doubt.
As for the Terriers, they have been dealt a blow with the news that Elias Kachunga will miss the rest of the season due to an ankle injury. Either Collin Quaner or Tom Ince look set to earn a recall against the Seagulls. Steve Mounie will be pushing for a sixth start in seven after dropping to the bench last time out.
Leicester City will be without the suspended Wilfred Ndidi for the home clash against Newcastle United, while Matty James has been ruled out for the rest of the season due to an Achilles injury. Adrien Silva is expected to start in central midfield.
On-loan forward Islam Slimani is ineligible to face his parent club, but Rafa Benitez could again name an unchanged starting XI following back-to-back victories.
Watford head coach Javi Gracia revealed Christian Kabasele returned to full training this week, but the defender is unlikely to push for a start for the visit of Burnley to Vicarage Road.
Ben Mee (knock) and Johann Berg Gudmundsson (calf) are both doubts for the Clarets, but Tom Heaton is back in contention, however, with the club captain now set to compete with Nick Pope for the starting spot in goal.
Caretaker head coach Darren Moore may be able to call upon Nacer Chadli for West Bromwich Albion’s home clash against Swansea City after the midfielder returned to training on Monday following a thigh injury.
Meanwhile, Swans midfielder Sam Clucas has been passed fit for the trip to the Hawthorns, while with Jordan Ayew serving the last game of his three-match suspension, Tammy Abraham could earn a recall up front.
Sergio Aguero remains doubtful for the visit of Manchester United to the Etihad due to a knee injury, so Gabriel Jesus could again start as the central striker. City boss Pep Guardiola may look to rotate ahead of Tuesday night’s Champions League quarter-final second leg against Liverpool, with the likes of Fabian Delph, Ilkay Gundogan and Bernardo Silva possible starters. Having featured off the bench at Anfield, Raheem Sterling is expected to return to the starting XI.
There are no such distractions for Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho, but he could consider handing a recall to Ander Herrera if he looks to play with an extra man in midfield. Eric Bailly and the fit-again Phil Jones could come into contention in defence.
Chelsea goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois could be ready to return for the home meeting with West Ham United following a hamstring issue, but Davide Zappacosta (tendon injury) and Pedro (knock) both remain doubts.
Hammers midfielder Michail Antonio is set to miss the rest of the season with the hamstring injury he suffered in the 3-0 victory over Southampton. Manuel Lanzini (knee), James Collins (hamstring) and Chicharito (illness) will all be checked ahead of the trip to Stamford Bridge.
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 account 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.
