Team News

FPL injury and team news updates as Smith rules Grealish out of GW31

We round up the latest Premier League injury news ahead of Gameweek 31 in our weekly press conference summary.

For more information, check out our Predicted Line-ups page and Injuries and Bans feed.

A video recap with Neale and Andy can be viewed at the bottom of this piece.

LIVERPOOL V ASTON VILLA

Jack Grealish (£7.5m) looks set for more time on the sidelines as he suffered another setback in his recovery from a shin injury.

The Aston Villa midfielder was targetting a comeback against Liverpool on Saturday afternoon but is still unable to train fully.

“Myself and Jack were quite optimistic to get him back a little bit sooner than he probably should and he’s had a setback that will probably put him back at least a couple of weeks. We’ll see how he is but it’s unlikely he’ll be back for a few weeks. He was really good in training, but he couldn’t tolerate the loading. It’s a loading injury and we have to de-load him over the next couple of weeks and get him back from there. We know it’s not a long-term injury and he will be back.” – Dean Smith

The Reds don’t have any fresh worries – although fatigue could be a factor after midweek exertions.

“To be 100% honest, we don’t know yet. We played on Tuesday, flew back on Wednesday, trained yesterday. Some players still felt the game. Injured… is nobody from the game. We have to see what we make of the information they give us today.

“Nobody is injured but if we have to change something, you will see tomorrow.” – Jurgen Klopp

MANCHESTER CITY v LEEDS UNITED

There was very little from Pep Guardiola on the team news front, with City injury-free.

Instead, he hailed the contribution of Ruben Dias (£6.2m) and the new contract for Kevin De Bruyne (£11.9m).

“[Dias] has been so important so far. Still, you have two months before the end of the season, but he has been so important for the continuity and leadership and for the quality when he has played.

I am glad Kevin who has the world in his hands and can play for anyone, decides to stay with us. It’s a big compliment for Manchester City.” – Pep Guardiola

The City boss had previously warned us that he wanted fresh legs “more than ever” for this clash with Leeds, however, so rotation could be about to bite.

Ahead of travelling to the Etihad Stadium, Leeds have no new injuries to worry about although they will still be short a key option on the flanks.

Jack Harrison (£5.4m) is ineligible to face his parent club so will miss out on Gameweek 31.

WEST HAM UNITED V LEICESTER CITY

Michail Antonio (£6.7m) looks set to miss the visit of Leicester City and joins Declan Rice (£4.7m) on the sidelines this weekend.

We’ve obviously had a couple of injuries and I don’t think Mick is going to make this game but I think, apart from that, we’re not too bad.

I won’t give you any more information on Declan Rice, to be honest. I will just say he has got an injury as everybody is aware and we’ll try and get him back as quick as we can. We don’t want to put any timescale on it.

Caglar Söyüncü (£5.3m) remains unavailable for Leicester following his positive coronavirus test, with Harvey Barnes (£6.7m) also out.

James Maddison (£7.1m) may not be ready for a starting XI return, with Brendan Rodgers explaining in his Friday press conference that the midfielder is “a bit away from where his level would be”.

SHEFFIELD UNITED V ARSENAL

Following confirmation that Kieran Tierney (£5.3m) is out until May, Mikel Arteta revealed on Thursday that Martin Ødegaard (£6.0m) was likely to miss Sunday’s meeting with Sheffield United.

“We don’t know, he wasn’t able to play today and he will be out I think for the next game or two. But we don’t know yet.” – Mikel Arteta

With Ødegaard unlikely to play, Bukayo Saka (£5.2m) and Emile Smith Rowe (£4.2m) are both sure to be involved against the Blades.

“I think (Saka and Smith Rowe) were both really good, obviously they haven’t played much football in recent weeks and they struggled to finish the game, but I think overall they both had a good game.” – Mikel Arteta

Sander Berge (£4.9m), Billy Sharp (£5.5m), Chris Basham (£4.6m) and Jack O’Connell (£4.7m) remain sidelined for the Blades but George Baldock (£4.9m) and Jayden Bogle (£4.3m) are back in training after serving their six-day concussion protocols. 

TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR V MANCHESTER UNITED

During his post-match press conference on Thursday night, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer explained he had to withdraw Luke Shaw (£5.3m) against Granada to protect him from an injury.

“I had to protect Luke. But I think and hope he should be okay for the weekend.” – Ole Gunnar Solskjaer

Meanwhile, Marcus Rashford (£9.5m) is expected to be ready for the meeting with Spurs and Paul Pogba (£7.6m) has a minor issue to overcome.

“He’s not recovered from it and hopefully, it’s not got any worse from this because he lasted 70 against Brighton, 65 now, so hopefully he’s ready. I think he should be ready on Sunday. Hopefully, they’ll [all] be okay. Of course, Marcus [Rashford], as we spoke about, his foot is a bit sore, so we didn’t want to aggravate that too much. Apart from that, Paul [Pogba] had a little niggle but he should be okay.” – Ole Gunnar Solskjaer

Ben Davies (£4.6m) and Matt Doherty (£5.6m) remain Spurs’ only absenteees.

FULHAM V WOLVERHAMPTON WANDERERS

Since their 3-2 defeat to West Ham on Monday night, nothing has changed in the Wolves camp on the injury front.

Willy Boly (£5.4m) will miss Friday’s trip to Fulham as he continues to self-isolate until Tuesday following a positive coronavirus (COVID-19) test.

Meanwhile, João Moutinho (£5.2m) is still “not at 100 per cent” and will face a late fitness test.

Fulham have not picked up any new injury concerns ahead of meeting Wolves, Ademola Lookman (£5.0m) managing to train this week.

“Everything is fine in terms of (injuries). (Lookman) trained today, he’s looking okay in that situation. Hopefully will be fine for tomorrow.” – Scott Parker

BURNLEY V NEWCASTLE UNITED

Owners of Burnley defensive assets might be somewhat wary of the latest news coming out of Newcastle. 

Callum Wilson (£6.5m) and Allan Saint-Maximin (£5.1m) are both available for the Gameweek 31 trip to Turf Moor

“Callum and Allan will be in the squad. [Whether or not I start them] that’s the big decision I have to make. I’m mindful of the fact that both of them have had muscle injuries which you’ve always got to box carefully with. But I’m also wary that we’ve only got six weeks of the season left.” – Steve Bruce

Meanwhile, Jamaal Lascelles (£4.2m) misses out with a foot injury, Federico Fernández (£4.7m) is likely to be involved and Ryan Fraser‘s (£5.6m) groin problem has not improved.

“It’s not looking so good [for Lascelles] at the moment, he’s going to have more scans today and over the weekend. He won’t play this weekend, that’s for sure.” – Steve Bruce

Sean Dyche confirmed that Phil Bardsley (£4.4m) comes back into the thinking after compassionate leave but the Clarets are still without Ashley Barnes (£6.0m), Kevin Long (£4.3m) and Robbie Brady (£5.0m) fit.

On Erik Pieters (£4.3m), the Burnley head coach said:

“Erik has trained today so we’re expecting him to be OK.” – Sean Dyche

WEST BROMWICH ALBION V SOUTHAMPTON

Southampton are largely injury-free compared to earlier in the campaign. There are no new updates on any of the existing long-term absentees and no new major problems either.

However, Kyle Walker-Peters (£4.7m) has a minor leg issue that Ralph Hasenhüttl will have to assess ahead of Monday’s meeting with West Bromwich Albion.

“No [new injuries] so far. We had two half-sessions today, Kyle [Walker-Peters] had a little problem with his leg, the rest are quite fit.” – Ralph Hasenhüttl

Saints’ upcoming opponents West Brom experienced mixed news on the injury front.

Dara O’Shea (£4.2m) is likely to be involved on Monday night while Branislav Ivanovic (£4.4m) is set for an extended spell on the sidelines.

“Dara [O’Shea] is looking very good for the Southampton game. We’ve got that extra couple of days with the game being on a Monday instead of a Saturday, which is a big help in terms of him playing. Branislav [Ivanovic] will be out for a long time, we think. We will have to assess it week-by-week, but certainly at the moment it looks like it’s going to be a long period.” – Sam Allardyce

BRIGHTON AND HOVE ALBION V EVERTON

Adam Webster (£4.3m) and Dan Burn (£4.2m) could be involved against Everton on Monday night, although both require assessment before Graham Potter can include them in his next matchday squad.

Everton will be without André Gomes (£5.3m) and Jordan Pickford (£4.8m) at the Amex Stadium although they will welcome Alex Iwobi (£5.9m) back.

Meanwhile, Allan (£5.2m) requires some assessment and could be involved.

“Gomes is not available. We are checking Allan. He trained normally this morning. But we have three days to wait to see how it goes. Maybe he can be available.” – Carlo Ancelotti

“Iwobi will be available. Pickford started training this week but I think is not 100%. We don’t want to take a risk for this game. Delph and Bernard are following their individual programme.” – Carlo Ancelotti

CRYSTAL PALACE v CHELSEA

Thomas Tuchel said on Friday that Chelsea were at “full fitness” heading into Saturday’s match against Crystal Palace, although Thiago Silva (£5.6m) will sit this one out through suspension.

The Eagles will have to face Chelsea without loanee Michy Batshuayi (£5.7m), who is ineligible to face his parent club.

James McArthur (£5.2m), Nathan Ferguson (£3.8m), James Tomkins (£4.4m)and Mamadou Sakho (£4.4m) remain absent while Nathaniel Clyne (£4.5m) is due back in training next week.

James McCarthy (£4.3m) is fit, however.


1,602 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Thomas Magnum
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Which of these 2 punt teams is better?
    TEAM 1
    Mendy 3.9
    TAA Dias Rudiger Masuaku Phillips
    Salah Bruno Lingard Greenwood Maddison
    Kane Iheancho Diagne

    TEAM 2
    Mendy Forster
    TAA Dias Rudiger Dawson Phillips
    Salah Bruno Greenwood Lingard ESR
    Kane Ings Diagne
    Thanks!

    1. WVA
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Punt teams with no City attackers home v goal fest Leeds?

      1. Thomas Magnum
        • 8 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        Don’t see the value on WC, rotations and the like. Happy with just Dias makes 33 a lot easier

  2. Tronity
    • 10 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Thoughts on the below?! Struggle to get to Trent with Lingard in the team.

    A) TAA, Veltman, Masuaka, Neto
    B) Dias, Shaw, Phillips, Lingard

    1. Blue&White85
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      B

    2. Thomas Magnum
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Sounds you’re set on having TAA so go A.
      Not having Lingard is probably easier now with all the whu injuries, you can scramble to do Neto > Lingard down the line if you feel you’re missing out

    3. WVA
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      B by far

  3. gellinmagellan
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Who should I get on a WC
    A) sterling (next week to Son)
    B) TAA

    Getting Sterling keeps TAA out which I don't think makes sense on a WC 😐

  4. dunas_dog
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Is this WC team and bench order gtg?

    Leno
    TAA Rüdiger Alonso
    Salah Sterling (c) Son Lingard Jota
    Kane Vydra

    Forster Iheanacho Holding Fofana

    1. WVA
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      I'd start Iheanacho over Vydra.

    2. g40steve
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Looks good apart from Leno?

      1. dunas_dog
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        Who would you go for? Mendy means triple Chelsea

  5. Robman
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    My WC team: Thoughts please, anything I've missed. 0.5 ITB

    Mendy / Forster
    Coady / Rudy / TAA / Lowton / Dawson
    Son / Lingard / Jota / Salah / Sterling
    Wood / Nacho / Kane

    1. cravencottage
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Excellent; Do you plan on keeping Sterling long term?

      1. Robman
        • 8 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        Depending on his performance against Leeds, I may keep him, otherwise the plan is to bring Bruno back.

    2. gellinmagellan
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Nice! You plan on getting Bruno back?

      1. Robman
        • 8 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        I will wait and see how Sterling performs in the weekend. Just got a good feeling for him.

  6. cravencottage
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    I dont understand why people are getting players in like Davis, who are basically non playing. With rotation, Covid, etc, a WC should have a full team of players who see the field

    1. Sgt Frank Drebin
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      2 starting bench fodders is enough imho.

    2. Thomas Magnum
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      If he’s last on bench forever it should be alright

  7. Bubbles1985
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Jota captain over here...

    😀

    1. cravencottage
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      A good call

  8. Sgt Frank Drebin
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Thoughts on best defenders to have on WC? Apart from TAA I don't see any stand out options and even TAA isn't a must have imho

    1. Corona is not good 4 U
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Ait Nouri is cheap and has good fixtures.

    2. GROBARI
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Wolves def,maybe Fofana,Rudi or Azpi,Phillips cheap opinion

      1. Sgt Frank Drebin
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        And someone not cheap?

    3. GreennRed
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Rudiger, Azpilicueta.

    4. WVA
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Rudiger is a bargain, so is Shaw and a Leicester defender with those fixtures

      1. Corona is not good 4 U
        • 3 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        Is Rüdiger nailed?

        1. WVA
          • 7 Years
          2 years, 11 months ago

          He's their first choice CB

  9. Corona is not good 4 U
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Calvert-Lewin -> Iheanacho for free?

    Thanks!

  10. GROBARI
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Better pick?
    A) Shaw
    B) Fofana
    Is Fofana nailed?

    1. GreennRed
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      A. I think Fofana is nailed.

  11. Eric Banternaaa
    • 10 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Bottomed. First draft. Any thoughts?

    Mendy Forster
    Rudiger James Dias Phillips Veltman
    Salah Jota Sterling Gundo Lingard
    Kane Iheanacho DCL

    Thinking change DCL.

  12. Meme2011
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    whats the chances of these guys starting this week

    A) Lacazette
    B) Reece James
    C) Sterling

    1. Eric Banternaaa
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Think all 3 will start

  13. Captain Kakaroto (I blame R…
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Which one?

    A. Dawson + Fofana
    B. Shaw + Diop

    1. Eric Banternaaa
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      B

  14. Krafty Werks
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Play which 2 this week?

    A - Iheanacho
    B - Lingard
    C - Neto

    Thanks.

    1. GreennRed
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      A and B.

    2. WVA
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      I'm going A and B with C first on bench

  15. The_FF_King
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Gundo to Jota for -4?

    1. Magic Zico
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Hmm I am just doing Gundo [C] Jota [VC]

  16. OptimusBlack
    • 10 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Who can get CS ?
    A - Martinez
    B- Areola

  17. BurnMyBread
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    KDB to Salah or Watkins to Iheanacho for -4?

    1. DavidHopkin
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Neither and hope KDB plays? If not him to Salah

  18. Legohair
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Saka to Neto worth to take hit?

  19. FPLtfs
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Captain:
    A) Auba
    B) KdB
    C) TAA

    1. The Mighty Hippo
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      B

  20. DavidHopkin
    • 13 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    After much tinkering think I've settled on following, GTG?

    Mendy Forster
    Coady TAA Shaw Holding Phillips
    Salah Gundo Sterling (C) Lingard Son
    Kane Iheanacho Davis

    0.4 ITB to do Sterling to Bruno next week.

  21. lordkippe
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Bruno to Salah (C) for a hit ? Cant get him in one transfer and other way

    1. DavidHopkin
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      I'd stick with Bruno

      1. GreennRed
        • 12 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        Me too and sold Salah for Jota plus balance.

  22. jdp219
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Done did it. Activated WC.

    GTG? Bench order OK?

    Mendy
    TAA, Rudiger, Holding
    Salah(v), Jota(c), Bruno, Lingard, Son
    Kane, Iheanacho
    (Forster; Vydra, Coufal, Amartey)

    1. funnyoldgame
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Ballsy Jota (c) Could pay off.
      Amarety may only get one week but you probably know that

      1. jdp219
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        Amartey is an enabler for Trent. He'll be third on the bench for a couple weeks, then he and Son make way in gw33.

  23. funnyoldgame
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Have Son in on my WC team. Is it worth playing Gundo this week as a 1 week punt and bring in Son next week?

    1. SHOWSTOPPERRR
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Yes, am doing that.

  24. Ibracadebruyne
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Gundo or Raphina to Salah?

  25. Tabbara
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Who to bench:
    Shaw or Coady
    Thx

  26. GuillermoDickero
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    A or B gents - leaning towards B.....

    A) TAA, Masuaku, Holding, Coady
    B) Dias, Shaw, Fofana, Phillips

  27. allaboutthemagic
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    A - Raphina to jota
    B - Watkins to Ineacho
    Both for -4 or
    C - hold?!

  28. Abusive_Sgt_Daelrhos
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Use WC now or wait for some potential DGW? 1FT, thx!

    Martinez,Button
    Dias,Cancelo,Azpi,Coufal,KWP
    Gundo,Raphinha,Bale,Bruno,Trossard
    Kane,DCL,Bamford

    1. WHUFCSmith23
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Do you think you can get more points out of wildcarding now or later? United and Leicester will probably double. No doubt you will already have players for those games by wildcarding now anyway.

  29. JayKay1
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 4 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Final WC draft, thoughts?

    Mendy | {Forster}

    Phillips | Holding | Coady | {Rudigier} | {Fofana}

    Sala | Bruno | KdB | Lingard | Jota

    {Welbeck} | Nacho | Kane

  30. FPL ElasticO
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Who should you start?

    A. Forster
    B. Martinez