Team News

FPL team news: Gameweek 28 injury updates on Dias, Maddison, James and more

We continue our coverage of the pre-Gameweek 28 press conferences, with headline injury updates from all Premier League managers whose teams are in action this weekend.

Our Thursday round-up brought updates from Burnley, Brighton and Hove Albion, Leeds United and Southampton.

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

For other help and advice from our weekly Scout Picks to team reveals, head to our complete Gameweek 28 guide here.

CHELSEA

Those looking into purchasing one or potentially two Chelsea defenders for Double Gameweek 28 will be pleased to hear Thomas Tuchel’s latest comment on Reece James. After previously saying that the wing-back played too many minutes in the EFL Cup final, James is now fine to play and should start in place of the unavailable Cesar Azpilicueta (knock).

Fellow defenders Thiago Silva and Trevoh Chalobah have both recovered from minor issues, whilst in-form midfielder Hakim Ziyech (Achilles) is also back in training. There is doubt over Andreas Christensen (Achilles). Ben Chilwell‘s season is still over after knee surgery.

“Azpi [Azpilicueta] was not in training yesterday so this will be a bit too close unfortunately for him. Reece James was training yesterday, so far no problems, no reactions after his two matches. Hakim [Ziyech] was in training, seemed good, so hopefully, he can come back. The guys who were not with us at Luton because of minor injuries, like Trevoh [Chalobah], like Thiago Silva, were back in training yesterday and seemed fine, good to go.” – Thomas Tuchel

MANCHESTER CITY

Pep Guardiola has ruled out defenders Ruben Dias (hamstring) and Nathan Ake (knock) for the Manchester derby, with Dias potentially out for four-to-six weeks. Zack Steffen (back) and Cole Palmer (muscle) are still unavailable.

“Nathan [Ake] and Ruben [Dias] are not available for Sunday.” – Pep Guardiola

MANCHESTER UNITED

In the red half of Manchester, Ralf Rangnick should be able to welcome Edinson Cavani (groin) and Scott McTominay (illness) back into proceedings. Mason Greenwood (other) is still out of action.

“He is back in training since yesterday, today was his second training session with the team. It looks good. I think he could at least be part of the group for Sunday.” – Ralf Rangnick on Edinson Cavani

LIVERPOOL

Joel Matip has a non-Covid illness that keeps him out of the match against West Ham United, with Thiago (thigh) and Roberto Firmino (muscle) also not taking part. Additionally, there are doubts over Curtis Jones (thigh) and Naby Keita (knock).

“Strength and depth is really important, but we have some [players] who aren’t available. Thiago will not be available. Curtis [Jones] is not bad, but good enough for tomorrow? We will see! Matip is ill, not COVID-19, and he will not be available. Bobby [Firmino] is looking good but not good enough for the weekend. I think the plan is that he trains on Sunday, first time full.” – Jurgen Klopp

NEWCASTLE UNITED

Eddie Howe still hasn’t decided whether Allan Saint-Maximin (knock) is ready to return, with the forward expected to take part in training today before a final judgement is made. Kieran Trippier (foot) and Callum Wilson (calf) remain out for a while but Matt Ritchie (knee) will return to proceedings next week.

“Maxi [Saint-Maximin] hasn’t trained yet with us, we’re hoping he does today. We’ll have to make a decision based on how he looks and how his injury status is after that training session. [Otherwise] I think we’re as we were, pre-Brentford.” – Eddie Howe

TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR

Rodrigo Bentancur (ankle) and Lucas Moura (dead leg) are back from the injuries that kept them out against Leeds but there is still no Japhet Tanganga (knee) or Oliver Skipp (groin) for the visit of Everton.

WEST HAM UNITED

David Moyes has a few injury concerns, such as Tomas Soucek needing stitches in his head after a challenge from Southampton’s Ibrahima Diallo. Right-back Vladimir Coufal will be out for a few weeks having underwent successful surgery on a hernia, whilst Angelo Ogbonna (knee) remains out for the foreseeable.

Aaron Cresswell (knock) is fine to face Liverpool and there have been signs of improvement from full-backs Ryan Fredericks (groin) and Arthur Masuaku (knee). However, Mark Noble has a knock and Ukraine international Andriy Yarmolenko has been given more time off to be with his family during these difficult times.

“Like everybody, we’ve got a few injuries, but we’ve also got some players coming back. Fredericks is doing better and so is [Masuaku]. We’ve got a concern about Soucek because of the stitches in his head, but we’re probably no different from any other club.” – David Moyes

EVERTON

There is hope that Dominic Calvert-Lewin will play against Spurs in the Monday night game after a recent groin issue and Frank Lampard should finally be able to call upon Demarai Gray. The winger made a 13-minute cameo against Manchester City but missed Thursday’s FA Cup match because of a fever.

Ben Godfrey (hamstring) and Andre Gomes (thigh) are almost back, with Vitalii Mykolenko‘s dead leg against Boreham Wood not thought to be a problem. There is still no Yerry Mina (thigh), Fabian Delph (thigh) or Tom Davies (thigh) for the Toffees.

“I’m hopeful. He’s going to train with us tomorrow. Hopefully, he integrates with the squad tomorrow and then we’ll see how he is for Monday. Demarai Gray had a bit of a fever going into the game against Boreham Wood when he was due to play, so we missed him – we’ve missed Demarai pretty much since I’ve been in.” – Frank Lampard on Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Demarai Gray

NORWICH CITY

Tim Krul has recovered from a shoulder injury and is pushing to regain his place in goal from Angus Gunn. There is also a shoulder problem for Ozan Kabak but Max Aarons (knock) and Brandon Williams (knock) have both been declared fit to face Brentford. The Canaries’ main absentees are Adam Idah (knee) and Andrew Omobamidele (back).

“He went to see a specialist and they’ve put him in a corset, they’re a little bit worried about it. He won’t be around for at least another two to three weeks. He’s a lad with lots of potential and it probably still growing.” – Dean Smith on Andrew Omobamidele

LEICESTER CITY

Following the good news of Jamie Vardy‘s successful midweek return at Burnley, it has been revealed that James Maddison is a doubt to face Leeds on Saturday lunchtime because of a lower back problem. Ricardo Pereira (hamstring) is also touch-and-go.

Meanwhile, Timothy Castagne (thigh), Jonny Evans (hamstring), Wesley Fofana (ankle) and Ryan Bertrand (knee) are still out, plus James Justin is unlikely because of a minor muscle injury.

“They are still being monitored, with Maddison certainly available next week, if not tomorrow.” – Brendan Rodgers

WATFORD

Ismaila Sarr was seen getting hamstring treatment at full-time during the 0-0 at Manchester United and he is sidelined for this weekend. Kiko Femenia (knock) is back in contention after missing the trip to Old Trafford and Nicolas Nkoulou (hamstring) is nearing a return to full training.

ASTON VILLA

Bertrand Traore could be back from the hamstring injury that has kept him out for the past month, although Carney Chukwuemeka (knock) will miss the first half of Villa’s Double Gameweek 28. Steven Gerrard also confirmed that Marvelous Nakamba (knee) could return in early April, after the international break.

“Bertrand [Traore] joined the group in full training for the first time yesterday, so he’s got two days under his belt now with no issues. We’ll make a decision later today whether he comes back into the squad. Carney Chukwuemeka will miss the weekend. He’s got an outside chance of being involved against Leeds.”

ARSENAL

No news is good news for Mikel Arteta, as defender Takehiro Tomiyasu is the only doubt because of a calf problem. Emile Smith Rowe missed the Gameweek 26 win over Wolves with illness but is back in Arteta’s plans.

“Same place as last week. We still have the doubt with Tomiyasu, the rest I think they’re all there.”

CRYSTAL PALACE

Also nothing of note from the Eagles, where Joel Ward (groin) is still unavailable for the weekend and Nathan Ferguson (hamstring) remains out for the next month.

WOLVERHAMPTON WANDERERS

For Bruno Lage, it’s just the hamstring injury that will rule out Nelson Semedo for at least a month, possibly two. Everyone else is fine.

BRENTFORD

Last week’s defeat against Newcastle saw Christian Eriksen make his return to football with a cameo, alongside an appearance from fully-fit striker Ivan Toney. However, Josh Dasilva‘s red card has brought a three-match suspension.

FPLMarc Newcastle fan that spends far too much time thinking about FPL.

923 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Wolves42
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 25 days ago

    Sorry if this is the wrong place, but looking for thoughts on a chip strategy - got everything left except TC. Currently thinking I'll free hit in 28 and 30, then wildcard 35 ahead of BB in the expected big double in 36. Any feedback appreciated!

    1. The Mentaculus
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 2 Years
      2 years, 25 days ago

      Right place. Chips are very team dependent now but seems a sound plan generally

    2. MGD
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 25 days ago

      Look my post below for some planning 🙂

  2. Kodap
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 25 days ago

    Would you bench boost these guys? Feels bad leaving them on the bench..

    Ramsdale
    Taa - Cancelo - Robbo - James (c)
    Salah - Son - Coutinho - JWP - Raphina
    Broja

    DDG - Weghourst - Ait Nouri - Maupay

    1. Demba Demba
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 25 days ago

      Not for me

    2. ElChapo
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 25 days ago

      no, wouldnt even be tempted

    3. TSILIKAFENEIAKOS
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 25 days ago

      DDG is probably not a cleansheet, Weg plays Chelsea and Maupay has a single match so I wouldn't be tempted either.

    4. boozybaz
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 25 days ago

      No

  3. NotsoSpursy
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 25 days ago

    Bench one please

    A) Livra - VIL (A), NEW (H)
    B) Cancelo - UTD (H)
    C) Coady - CRY (H), WAT (H)

    1. Hansel
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 25 days ago

      B

    2. drughi
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 25 days ago

      reluctantly B

    3. Kane Train
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 25 days ago

      A If you have Aston Villa attackers. B if you don’t

    4. NotsoSpursy
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 25 days ago

      Thanks b it is

  4. TheBiffas
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 25 days ago

    Maddison yellow flagged, what's up with him ?

    1. Kane Train
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 25 days ago

      Hamstring

      1. TheBiffas
        • 3 Years
        2 years, 25 days ago

        Cheers, is it looking like he'll be out this week or?

        1. Kane Train
          • 9 Years
          2 years, 25 days ago

          Yeah sounds like he will miss this week

        2. The Mentaculus
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 2 Years
          2 years, 25 days ago

          Pereira hamstring, Maddison lower back injury. Rodgers says back next week

  5. Kane Train
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 25 days ago

    Which Chelsea defender are we confident has the best chance of playing both games?

    1. drughi
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 25 days ago

      rudiger

  6. Hansel
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    2 years, 25 days ago

    A)
    28: James (Laca bench)
    29: Lacazette, James

    B)
    28: Jimenez (Robbo bench)
    29: Jimenez, Robbo

    1. The Mentaculus
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 2 Years
      2 years, 25 days ago

      See how this week goes, but if James starts Norwich be prepared for benching in 29

  7. farqy
    • 10 Years
    2 years, 25 days ago

    Afternoon all,

    Anyone care to share your thoughts on this FH team...?

    Mendy,
    James, Saiss, Coady,
    Ward-Prowse, Raphinha, Coutinho, Salah,
    Jiminez, Adams, Watkins

    (Foster, Rudiger, TAA, Ramsey)

    Tempted to go 4 at the back and triple up on Chelsea with Rudiger - but could well be overkill.

    Cheers!

    1. Christina.
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 25 days ago

      If I FH I will have 5 of those

  8. winchester
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 25 days ago

    Would you WC this team? have 1ft. 1fh, wc, bb left. Cheers!

    foster
    taa cancelo saiss livra
    bruno jota salah saka
    dennis watkins

    (ddg bowen edouard keane)

    a) bruno -> son/coutinho/raph
    b) bruno+edouard -> son/coutinho+adams/jimi/kane (-4)
    c) wc? (would change 9 players on wc)

  9. sacana12
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 25 days ago

    Current WC team but considering some changes below:

    Foster - Ramsdale
    James - Taa - Cancelo - Silva - Livra
    Salah - Son - Raphinha - Coutinho - Saka
    Watkins - Broja -Richardson

    What's better on the long run:

    A) Rudiger - Saiss - Coutinho
    B) James - Silva - Kulusevski (would play Livra in 28 and Kulu 29)

    1. The Mentaculus
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 2 Years
      2 years, 25 days ago

      B

  10. ShaunGoater123
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 25 days ago

    Those on WC, how many are you setting yourself up with in 30 before any transfers?

    1. El Presidente
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 25 days ago

      8

  11. Bikerz
    • 2 Years
    2 years, 25 days ago

    Currently 8. Will be 10 by wk 30 using 2 FT

  12. MGD
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 25 days ago

    I can manage the doubles and blanks with -12 and get:

    GW28: 5 DGW
    GW29: 7 DGW
    GW30: 10 playing

    GW 28 Cancelo James
    GW 28 Cornet Ramsey (-4)
    GW 28 Trossard Raphinha (-8)

    Team for GW 28:

    Ramsdale
    James* - TAA - Robertson - Tierney
    Ramsey* - Raphina* - Salah - Foden
    Dennis* - Waktins*

    DDG - Bowen - Dalot - Antonio

    After that:

    GW 29 Foden Kulusevski
    GW 29 Dennis Lacazette (-4)

    GW 30 Dalot Reguilón

    Pretty well set up for FH 33 -> WC34 -> BB36

    Viable strategy or should I just WC? 🙂

  13. Paqueta Rice
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 25 days ago

    DDG, Maguire, Reguillon and Jota
    To
    Sa, James, Thiago and Raphina

    -12 worth it? Those players out are horrible

  14. Eleven Hag
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 25 days ago

    Clash of the Titans, who wins?

    A) Hwang
    B) Joelinton
    C) Rodrigo (Leeds)

    1. Bikerz
      • 2 Years
      2 years, 25 days ago

      This is tough! But C

    2. Magic Zico
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 25 days ago

      Win means? More points or more trolling?

    3. El Presidente
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 25 days ago

      A

  15. Bikerz
    • 2 Years
    2 years, 25 days ago

    Plz who is the more nailed pick for 28 and 29 A)Kulusevski or B)Willock? If B(;willock vs Brighton and Sou), is he worth starting over Saka(vs watford) in 28? Thanks in anticipation!

    1. Bikerz
      • 2 Years
      2 years, 25 days ago

      ??? Need help with this plz. It's making my head hurt

    2. El Presidente
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 25 days ago

      I like Kulu, I don't think NEW assets will do much tbh. The only one I was considering was ASM but he's injured so I'll pass

  16. OLLY G
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 25 days ago

    Who should l start please?

    (A) Salisu of Southampton who is 75% and has a DGW

    (B) Foden vs Man United

    Thanks.

    1. NABIL - FPL otai
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 25 days ago

      A

  17. NABIL - FPL otai
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 25 days ago

    Saving my WC
    Saving my FH.
    Benching TAA and selling Cancelo for a hit.

    A. Genius
    B. Idiot

    1. Bobby Digital
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 25 days ago

      B

    2. Magic Zico
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 25 days ago

      Too obvious 😛

    3. El Presidente
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 25 days ago

      A

  18. Fish up a tree
    • 2 Years
    2 years, 25 days ago

    Play

    A Ait Nouri
    B T Silva -4

    1. No Kane No Gain
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 25 days ago

      A 100%

  19. Siva Mohan
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 25 days ago

    Foster*
    Digne* | Livra* | Cancelo | TAA
    Salah | Son | Saka | Ramsey*
    Dennis* | Jimenez*
    DDG | Bowen | Antonio | Mitchell

    1 FT & all chips available

    A. Cancelo >> Rudiger*
    B. Mitchell >> Saiss* and bench Saka
    C. A + B (-4)

  20. OptimusBlack
    • 10 Years
    2 years, 25 days ago

    Which is better ?
    A- T.Silva & Vardy
    B- James & Laca

    1. Magic Zico
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 25 days ago

      How can you resist party? 😛

  21. Eleven Hag
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 25 days ago

    Edourad -> Rodrigo

    Y/N?

    1. Freshy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 25 days ago

      N

  22. Freshy
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    2 years, 25 days ago

    Start Laporte or RAN

  23. J to the T
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 25 days ago

    Bruno Bernardo Dalot -> Son Mount James (-8)

    Y/N

  24. T88MYE
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 25 days ago

    James & Rudiger too much?

  25. @FPL__Engineer
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 25 days ago

    £4.8ml for a striker on bench boost, any ideas? Can't see anyone worthy...

    1. Devos
      • 2 Years
      2 years, 25 days ago

      Gelhardt might get some playtime.

  26. Devos
    • 2 Years
    2 years, 25 days ago

    Bowen to
    a) Mount
    b) Coutinho
    c) Raphinha

    Either of them will probably become captain.

    FH in GW30 and WC in GW31.

  27. jbenny1107
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 24 days ago

    My wildcard team doesn't feel right. What would you do differently? 1.0 ITB.

    Sa (Ramsdale)
    Rudiger Schar Livramento (TAA, Robertson)
    Salah Raphinha Willock Ramsey (Saka)
    Kane Jimenez Adams

  28. Return of the FF
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 24 days ago

    Rudiger or James? Why?