There are a whopping 17 pre-match press conferences taking place today – and we’ve got the key Fantasy Premier League (FPL) team news for Gameweek 5 here.
This is a ‘live’ article and will be updated as and when the pressers are staged on Friday. Make sure to hit refresh for the latest injury updates.
The headline updates from Thursday’s three pressers (Brentford, Luton Town and Sheffield United) are also to be found below.
GAMEWEEK 5 TEAM NEWS: INJURY UPDATES
- Liverpool: Alexander-Arnold ruled out, Darwin latest
- Arsenal: Saka “fine”
- Manchester City: Stones, Grealish + Kovacic all out
- Newcastle United: Botman trains
- Chelsea: James still not ready, Broja latest
- Brighton and Hove Albion: Late call on Ferguson
- Tottenham Hotspur: Internationals return unscathed
- Manchester United: Brighton game comes too soon for Mount and Varane
- Aston Villa: Moreno returns
- Everton: Calvert-Lewin “should be clear”
- Crystal Palace: Guehi and Lerma injured
- West Ham United: Moyes reports “knocks” but hopeful of fully fit squad
- Nottingham Forest: Danilo not training, Elanga + Aurier assessed
- Fulham: Iwobi available, Tosin out
- Brentford: Three out, Damsgaard has a “slim chance”
- Luton Town: Edwards discusses returning internationals, including Kabore and Bell
- Sheffield United: Latest on Baldock + others
- Wolverhampton Wanderers: No new injuries to report
- Bournemouth: Ouattara recovers, four still out
- Burnley: Ekdal still out, Ramsey + Vitinho return
FRIDAY’S PRESS CONFERENCE TIMES
LIVERPOOL
Trent Alexander-Arnold won’t be fit to face Wolverhampton Wanderers this weekend, having not trained since he suffered a hamstring injury in Gameweek 4.
The defender is at least back running and is aiming to be doing some “ball work” early next week.
“He is not available. He didn’t train with the team once yet, it will take a little bit [of time]. It’s not the worst hamstring injury he could have had – but it’s a hamstring injury. They barely heal in two weeks and this one didn’t.
“He is running already and we’re hoping he can start ball work early next week. Then we will see, go from there.” – Jurgen Klopp on Trent Alexander-Arnold
Virgil van Dijk definitely remains out after having his one-match ban extended by an extra game, while Thiago Alcantara is only at the “running” stage of his recovery.
Ibrahima Konate (muscle) has at least been back in training this week, while Darwin Nunez has seemingly shrugged off the muscular problems that dogged his 45-minute run-out for Uruguay in midweek.
He has, however, yet to be assessed in training as of Friday morning, following a late return from international duty.
“Thiago is running but that’s it. Ibou trained since, two days with the team.
“I didn’t see [Darwin] yet but we had contact and they said he’s fine – but we will see that now and make then a couple of decisions. He should be fine.” – Jurgen Klopp
As well as Darwin, Liverpool have Alisson, Luis Diaz and Alexis Mac Allister facing a quick turnaround before the trip to Molineux.
“If I say a word about it, the whole world goes again: ‘He’s moaning again’.
“This is a joke. We have players in South America I didn’t see them yet, in 24 hours we play [Wolves].” – Jurgen Klopp
ARSENAL
Mikel Arteta said on Friday that Bukayo Saka was “fine” and that there was “nothing to worry about”, following midweek reports that the winger was playing through the pain barrier because of a niggling Achilles injury.
“He’s fine. He trained normally today so nothing to report there. Every player has pains or issues. That’s normal in elite sports, but nothing to worry about.” – Mikel Arteta on Bukayo Saka
The Arsenal boss added that his international contingent appears to have returned unscathed.
“They all came back well and all trained today, so they’re in a good place.
“Today was the first time that we could do a little bit because for some players it was match day minus two as well, so just managing that we knew that from the start. Don’t try to give them too much information, especially after 10 days away, but make sure that everybody is reconnected and clear on what we do and how we want to do it and our way of playing, and that’s it.” – Mikel Arteta on his returning internationals
Jurrien Timber (knee) and Mohamed Elneny (knee) were joined by Thomas Partey (groin) on the injury list two weeks ago.
Partey is still “weeks” away from a return.
MANCHESTER CITY
John Stones (hamstring), Jack Grealish (thigh) and Mateo Kovacic (back) will all miss the trip to West Ham United, joining Kevin De Bruyne (hamstring) on the sidelines.
“Injured, both, they are not available for tomorrow.
“I don’t know for [the midweek match against] Red Star. We will see, step by step.” – Pep Guardiola on Jack Grealish and John Stones
“Something else muscular, not a big issue, but also will be out tomorrow.” – Pep Guadiola on Mateo Kovacic
NEWCASTLE UNITED
There was a positive update on Sven Botman (ankle), who has been back in training this week.
Eddie Howe hopes the Dutch stopper will be able to face Brentford this weekend.
“Possibly, yeah, he’s trained this week. So, fingers crossed for Sven, we’ll see how he feels today.” – Eddie Howe
Joe Willock (Achilles) and Emil Krafth (ACL) are still out.
There were also two withdrawals by Newcastle players over international week, with Sandro Tonali (muscle) and Elliot Anderson (knock) returning early to the north-east.
“I think [Tonali] felt his thigh in training, so he’s come back in and had a scan. There’s a slight injury there, it’s nothing serious or too long, but we’ll wait and see whether he’s available this weekend.
“We hope [Anderson will be fit]. Fingers crossed, Elliot will make it, yeah.” – Eddie Howe
Howe was asked about favouring players who remained on Tyneside over returning internationals
CHELSEA
Christopher Nkunku (knee), Wesley Fofana (knee), Marcus Bettinelli (knee), Trevoh Chalobah (hamstring) and Carney Chukwuemeka (knee) will miss the trip to Bournemouth, while Romeo Lavia (ankle) has rejoined them on the sidelines over the international break.
Armando Broja (knee), Benoit Badiashile (hamstring) and Reece James (hamstring) have all been back on the grass at Cobham in the last fortnight but will also miss out in Gameweek 5.
The weekly Chelsea injury bulletin said that James was “continuing to undergo his rehabilitation programme”, while Broja and Badiashile have only “joined full team training for reconditioning phase”.
The Albanian FA president appears to have jumped the gun, then, when saying that Broja would be on the bench this weekend.
“I didn’t hear [the Albanian FA’s comments]. No, not yet [available]. Badiashile also the same situation.” – Mauricio Pochettino on Armando Broja
James’s continued absence is a boost to Malo Gusto‘s game-time prospects, meanwhile.
“He’s recovering well, I cannot say if he’s close or not because we assess him every single day but I think he starts to do things on the pitch, with the ball. He’s really well, he is desperate to return and help the team. I hope that he’s close and can be available before the next international break.” – Mauricio Pochettino on Reece James
Pochettino said he expected Enzo Fernandez and Moises Caicedo to feature against Bournemouth, despite late returns from international duty.
The Chelsea boss also gave his backing to the misfiring Nicolas Jackson.
“For me, the performance [against Nottingham Forest] was good, only that he didn’t score. Strikers need to score or assist but we need to think that Jackson came from Spain, is young, he needs to build his confidence and trust, he needs to adapt to the Premier League – it’s only a matter of time.
“He’s doing a fantastic job for the team, he only needs to be a little bit more clinical in front of goal.” – Mauricio Pochettino on Nicolas Jackson
BRIGHTON AND HOVE ALBION
Julio Enciso (knee) remains out but Danny Welbeck (muscle) should be fit and Brighton will make a late call on Evan Ferguson (knee) after he returned to training yesterday.
“Evan started yesterday with us. He is not in the best condition. We will see this afternoon and tomorrow morning to decide but now he’s good.” – Roberto De Zerbi
Roberto De Zerbi also revealed that Ansu Fati will make his debut, although wasn’t sure whether that would be from the start or as a substitute.
“I don’t know if at the beginning of the game, or during the game in the second half, but he is ready play. Logically, it’s difficult after one week, after three or four training sessions, to understand everything. I would like to give much time to understand. But first of all he can enjoy, he can show his quality. I told him I want to enjoy watching your ability. I don’t want to put any pressure on Ansu.
“He can play number 9, 10 or 11. He’s a big, big talent.” – Roberto De Zerbi
The Brighton boss also made mention of the long trips made by Pervis Estupinan and Facundo Buanonotte after their international duty in South America.
“More or less [OK]. Tired, Estupinan and Buonanotte because they had a long travel.” – Roberto De Zerbi when asked about the condition of the rest of his sqaud
TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR
Ange Postecoglou revealed on Friday that his returning internationals seemed to have avoided injury.
That’s particularly good news for the owners of Son Heung-min: he was pictured sporting strapping and an ice pack on his knee while training with South Korea on Tuesday but he went on to play 90 minutes against Saudi Arabia that very evening.
“Everyone’s back – they came back yesterday and we had an afternoon session, more of a recovery session for everyone. Today it was a full session and everyone was good, no issues. They all got through training and obviously we’ll see how they recover but at this moment in time they’ve come through unscathed.” – Ange Postecoglou
Ryan Sessegnon (hamstring), Bryan Gil (groin), Rodrigo Bentancur (knee) and Alfie Whiteman (ankle) remain out, while Giovani Lo Celso (quad) is eyeing a Gameweek 6 return.
MANCHESTER UNITED
Luke Shaw (muscle), Tom Heaton (calf), Kobbie Mainoo (ankle), Amad Diallo (knee) and Tyrell Malacia (knee) remain out, while the clash with Brighton and Hove Albion comes just too soon for Raphael Varane (unspecified) and Mason Mount (muscle).
“Both are in a good place. They are shortly coming [towards] a return.” – Erik ten Hag on Mason Mount and Raphael Varane
Antony won’t feature, either, having agreed with the Red Devils to “delay his return until further notice in order to address the allegations [recently made against him]”.
Jadon Sancho won’t be considered for selection for disciplinary reasons and Sofyan Amrabat (back) will not be fit but Lisandro Martinez (foot) should be fine.
ASTON VILLA
Tyrone Mings (knee) and Emi Buendia (knee) are long-term absentees and Tim Iroegbunam (back) remains out.
Diego Carlos (hamstring) is also unavailable, having limped off at Anfield a fortnight ago.
Alex Moreno (hamstring) comes back into contention, however, while Bertrand Traore (muscle) and Jacob Ramsey (foot) are nearing a return.
“Everybody came back from their national teams really good, the players were working here as well good.
“The players who are injured are progressively getting better.
“Álex Moreno is training with the group and Jacob Ramsey is close to being with us. Diego Carlos and Tim are out. Bertrand Traore as well is close.” – Unai Emery
EVERTON
Dele Alli (hip) and Seamus Coleman (knee) will sit out the visit of Arsenal, while Jack Harrison (hip) isn’t fit enough to face the Gunners despite a return to training.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin (cheekbone) is expected back, at least.
“Dom is back on the grass again and should be clear.
“With Dom, it’s just a facial injury, so he’s managed to keep his fitness up – which is good. He’ll certainly be coming back into the fold.” – Sean Dyche
Youssef Chermiti and Jarrad Branthwaite then both left their respective age-group international squads to have treatment on minor groin issues but the latter has been passed fit.
CRYSTAL PALACE
Marc Guehi is “likely” to miss the Aston Villa game with the muscle injury picked up while playing for England in midweek, while Jefferson Lerma has also returned from international injury with a hamstring injury.
Matheus Franca (back) and Michael Olise (hamstring) remain out, while James Tomkins is yet another concern with a “minor injury”.
WEST HAM UNITED
David Moyes reported some “knocks” ahead of the Manchester City game but is still hopeful of having everyone fit and available.
Vladimir Coufal might be one of the minor concerns, having been described as “slightly injured” in Czech media when missing his country’s second September international.
NOTTINGHAM FOREST
Danilo (hamstring) looks set to miss out in Gameweek 5, while Serge Aurier and Anthony Elanga will have to be assessed.
“Danilo picked up an injury that he is still suffering with from the Chelsea game. It’s a little bit inconclusive on how long he’ll be out for, but he isn’t training at the moment.
“Anthony came back from Sweden early with a strain and Serge walked off at Stamford Bridge too, so some players are being managed carefully and hopefully we get them back as soon as possible.
“We’re not sure (if they will be ready for Monday’s game) as there’s still a few days to go until we play so we can’t really rule anyone in or out, so we will see.” – Steve Cooper
FULHAM
Alex Iwobi (hamstring) has been passed fit after returning to training over the international break.
Sasa Lukic (knee) remains out, however, and there will be a late call on Tom Cairney (knee) after he limped off after 16 minutes in Gameweek 4.
Tosin Adarabioyo also now faces 6-7 weeks out with an unspecified issue.
BRENTFORD
Josh Dasilva (hamstring), Shandon Baptiste (shoulder) and Ivan Toney (suspended) are out for the Bees, who are hoping to welcome back Mikkel Damsgaard (adductor) – although this game against Newcastle United may come too soon.
New signing Neal Maupay is ready to be involved, however.
“I think [Maupay is] pretty good, I’m pretty sure I will involve him in the squad. He played games for Everton, he was fit, and he played in a behind-closed-doors game for us and scored, so he’s in a good place. He’s training well.”
“Damsgaard looks better and we will assess him tomorrow to see how he is and to see if he can play. There’s a slim chance [he will be involved], we will see how he is tomorrow.” – Thomas Frank
LUTON TOWN
Daniel Potts (ankle), Jordan Clark (ankle) and Gabriel Osho (knee) are still out but Rob Edwards otherwise had positive news to report, with Tom Lockyer (quad) back in training.
Alfie Doughty (Achilles) is presumably available, too, based on Edwards’ quote below.
“We’ve got a good working group, everyone is fit and available.
“Obviously the long-term ones, Gabe Osho, Jordan Clark and Dan Potts aren’t unavailable, but we’ve got a good group to pick from.
“[Lockyer] trained and trained well over the last few days.” – Rob Edwards
The Luton boss did have some cautionary words about his returning internationals, with Amari’i Bell the last one to arrive back in the UK.
Issa Kabore and Pelly Ruddock-Mpanzu were also namechecked.
“[Kabore] trained, so he’s okay. Pelly trained today, Amari’i didn’t, he only landed at half-10 [on Thursday] morning, so we’ll assess him and see where he’s at.
“He’s had a long, long journey, Pelly had a long journey and there will be a little bit of tiredness there.
“We’ve got to make sure we assess them and get things right, as we don’t want to put anyone in jeopardy.” – Rob Edwards
SHEFFIELD UNITED
There are some new concerns to report from the last fortnight, with Paul Heckingbottom offering his usual vague updates on his returning internationals.
George Baldock (calf), Anel Ahmedhodzic (hamstring) and Will Osula (unspecified) all pulled out of their respective national teams’ squads, while John Egan played 163 minutes for the Republic of Ireland but also reportedly picked up an injury.
“We had a good bit of work together. Everyone didn’t come back until today. We’ve picked up some injuries while they’ve been away, which is not great, but everyone is in good spirits and ready.
“Anel never went. He had an injury so he never went. He’s here, he’s the only one fit. George, Will, Eags picked up an injury so everyone who has been away has picked up an injury apart from [Adam Davies].
“Anel is training now, he’s fine.” – Paul Heckingbottom
Baldock and Osula then weren’t spotted in Friday’s training but Egan was.
Ben Osborn (groin), Max Lowe (ankle), John Fleck (leg), Rhian Brewster (hamstring), Rhys Norrington-Davies (hamstring) and Daniel Jebbison (illness) remain out.
Yassir Larouci (back) is available, however, while Heckingbottom says that Tom Davies (match fitness) now needs game-time following his move from Everton.
WOLVERHAMPTON WANDERERS
Gary O’Neil didn’t report any new concerns heading into Gameweek 5.
Joe Hodge will still be out with a hamstring injury but Tommy Doyle is expected to recover from the minor knee issue that saw him miss the defeat to Crystal Palace.
BOURNEMOUTH
Tyler Adams (hamstring), Ryan Fredericks (calf), Emiliano Marcondes (foot) and Alex Scott (knee) remain out but Dango Ouattara (ankle) has recovered over the international break.
Andoni Iraola, like many other Premier League bosses, also has to contend with late returnees from around the globe.
“Today was the first day we could train with Marcos (Senesi), Junior (Traore) and Luis (Sinisterra).
“Now we only have injured Tyler Adams, Alex Scott and the ones that have been out for more time like (Ryan) Fredericks and (Emiliano) Marcondes.
“We have recovered Tavernier, who helped us the other day (at Brentford). Adam Smith was on the bench.
“Dango has been training with us this week. So we are slowly, slowly recovering important players. I think we are getting stronger.” – Andoni Iraola
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BURNLEY
Darko Churlinov (blood poisoning), Michael Obafemi (hamstring) and Hjalmar Ekdal (knee) remain out but Vitinho (knee) and Aaron Ramsey (head) have recovered.
Anass Zaroury is now also free to play after a three-match ban.
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