There are 17 pre-match press conferences taking place today and we’ve got the key Fantasy Premier League (FPL) team news for Gameweek 7 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 press conferences (Sheffield United, Everton and Burnley) are also to be found below.
GAMEWEEK 7 TEAM NEWS: INJURY UPDATES
- Arsenal: Saka + others still haven’t trained, Saliba a fresh concern
- Tottenham Hotspur: Son + Maddison train but face checks
- Newcastle United: Wilson, Isak, Burn + Botman to be assessed
- Chelsea: “Bad news” on Chilwell’s injury
- Liverpool: Alexander-Arnold set to make the squad
- Manchester United: Martinez + Reguilon ruled out
- Manchester City: Rodri banned, three still injured
- Brighton and Hove Albion: Ferguson fit, Gross ahead of schedule
- Aston Villa: Bailey out, late call on Ramsey
- Luton Town: Lockyer fit, Barkley won’t face Everton
- West Ham United: Cresswell the only absentee
- Brentford: Seven remain out
- Bournemouth: Solanke a concern
- Crystal Palace: Hodgson not positive on Henderson
- Fulham: Tete to be assessed, Lukic returns
- Wolverhampton Wanderers: Doyle ineligible, Bellegarde banned
- Nottingham Forest: Tavares injury not serious
- Everton: Mykolenko a minor doubt
- Burnley: Benson + Redmond unlikely to feature
- Sheffield United: McBurnie available, Fleck + Brewster in training
FRIDAY’S PRESS CONFERENCE TIMES
ARSENAL
Jurrien Timber (knee) and Thomas Partey (groin) remain out for the Gunners, while there are doubts lingering over Gabriel Martinelli (muscle), Leandro Trossard (hamstring), Bukayo Saka (knock) and Declan Rice (back).
As of Friday morning, none of those players had trained ahead of Saturday’s trip to Bournemouth.
“[Rice] obviously wasn’t available [for midweek], he had to leave the London derby. He hasn’t trained yet. We have another session in an hour or two, so we’ll have more news about him today.
“Again, [Martinelli] hasn’t trained. We want him back, we need him back, but at the moment, he’s not been available.
“[Trossard], same situation. Saka, [same situation].” – Mikel Arteta
A reporter brought up Saka’s consecutive appearance record in Friday’s presser, asking Arteta what he would do if the winger wanted to keep that run going.
“That would mean that he’s feeling good. He’s got enough experience now and understanding of when he’s ready to help the team and when he’s not.” – Mikel Arteta on Bukayo Saka
There are even concerns over two other previously unflagged players, William Saliba and Fabio Vieira, who both missed the midweek win at Brentford.
“Willy as well had a knock, Fabio as well wasn’t involved in the last game.
“Let’s see how everybody is today. They weren’t selected, they weren’t in the squad for a reason. We need to assess them today.
“They weren’t feeling up to being in the squad.
“My hope is that everybody is fit and available because we need them with the amount of games that we have.” – Mikel Arteta
TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR
Brennan Johnson (hamstring) has joined Ivan Perisic (knee), Bryan Gil (groin), Ryan Sessegnon (hamstring), Rodrigo Bentancur (knee), Alfie Whiteman (ankle) and Giovani Lo Celso (quad) on the injury list ahead of the Liverpool game.
Ange Postecoglou reported that James Maddison and Son Heung-min have trained this week but are still “sore” from the north London derby, so final checks will be made on that pair.
“From last week, Brennan will miss out. It’s nothing too serious but he won’t be right for this week.
“Madders and Sonny trained today, they just finished the session and seemed to get through it not too bad. But we’ll just have to see how they pull up because it’s fair to say they’re still a bit sore after last week and have had a disrupted week of training. So, it’s just a matter of seeing how they pull up now.” – Ange Postecoglou
NEWCASTLE UNITED
Harvey Barnes (toe) and Joe Willock (Achilles) remain on the injury list, while Eddie Howe listed six other minor concerns after the midweek cup win over Manchester City.
Alexander Isak was substituted in that game with calf tightness, while Bruno Guimaraes finished the match despite twisting an ankle.
Sven Botman (knee), Callum Wilson (hamstring tightness), Dan Burn (illness) and Martin Dubravka (illness) weren’t involved at all, meanwhile.
Much of that group will have to be assessed in Friday’s training.
“Callum, we’re going to see today. Very minor hamstring tightness, we’ll give him every chance to be available for the game. Same with Sven, we’re going to make a late check on him.
“Dan Burn has had some illness but we think he’ll be OK.
“[Isak] is another one we’re just going to make a late check on. That’s the cost of the three games that we had last week – it’s usually the third game where these things build up.
“Yeah I think [Bruno Guimaraes] did twist his ankle in the game. Initially it took him some time to run off but hopefully he’s OK.” – Eddie Howe
We now have a timeline on Barnes, who looks set to miss much of what remains of 2023.
“We think he is going to be out for around three months. No surgery is required, which is good news, but his foot is now in a boot. It is an injury underneath his toe and he’s now started his recovery. I think he is going to be quite sedate for a period of time, because he’s got to rest the toe to give it every chance to recover and then we will have to build him up slowly.” – Eddie Howe on Harvey Barnes
That’s an obvious boost to Anthony Gordon, who was also listed as a possible deputy striker should Wilson and Isak ever both be absent.
“Anthony Gordon has played as a striker for England and did very well in that position so he would probably be, [along] with Jacob Murphy who can also play that position, the first in line. And then of course you’ve got Joelinton who has played the role historically and can play it slightly differently to the other players that we’ve got.” – Eddie Howe on his makeshift striking options
Emil Krafth (knee) will play for the under-21s on Friday after a lengthy lay-off.
CHELSEA
Mauricio Pochettino says it’s “bad news” regarding Ben Chilwell‘s hamstring injury, with the defender set for a spell on the sidelines.
“We are really sad about the news about Ben.
“Time? It’s difficult to know now, it’s only two days since it happened. We need to assess him in the next few days and the doctor will tell us. For sure, the club will communicate.” – Mauricio Pochettino on Ben Chilwell
Romeo Lavia (ankle), Benoit Badiashile (hamstring), Reece James (hamstring), Christopher Nkunku (knee), Wesley Fofana (knee), Marcus Bettinelli (knee) and Trevoh Chalobah (hamstring) are still out, while Malo Gusto and Nicolas Jackson are suspended.
James could be back in Gameweek 8.
“For Monday, I don’t believe. Maybe the week after, we’ll see. Also we need to assess him but I cannot confirm at the moment.” – Mauricio Pochettino on Reece James
Carney Chukwuemeka (knee) could be involved against Fulham, along with Noni Madueke – someone who Pochettino said on Wednesday wasn’t injured when omitting him from the matchday squad.
“I hope that maybe Carney, and of course Noni also, after his injury with the national team. He’s getting ready, he’s working hard. I hope that maybe these two players will be available for selection on Monday.” – Mauricio Pochettino
With Jackson out and Armando Broja only just back from a long-term lay-off, Pochettino may have to field a makeshift striker at Craven Cottage.
“We have a few options to play with a striker or without a striker. We also need to assess all the squad after the game. Things appear after 48 hours and we are going to see how they are and how they have recovered from Wednesday.” – Mauricio Pochettino
LIVERPOOL
Trent Alexander-Arnold (hamstring) has been back in training this week and should be involved in the matchday squad at the very least, following the best part of four weeks on the sidelines.
“Trent trained yesterday normal, he will train today normal. Then we will have to make a decision. I’m not a doctor but it looks like he can be in the squad tomorrow and play.” – Jurgen Klopp
The team news is quiet elsewhere but Stefan Bajcetic (calf) has joined Thiago Alcantara (hip) on the injury list after a minor setback.
MANCHESTER UNITED
Ahead of Erik ten Hag’s presser, the Red Devils confirmed that Lisandro Martinez (foot) would be set for an “extended” spell on the sidelines and that Sergio Reguilon (unspecified) wouldn’t feature against Crystal Palace.
United also announced that Antony will “resume training at Carrington, and be available for selection, while police inquiries proceed.”
Christian Eriksen and Scott McTominay return after illness but Aaron Wan-Bissaka (hamstring), Luke Shaw (muscle), Amad Diallo (knee), Kobbie Mainoo (ankle) and Tyrell Malacia (knee) remain out and Jadon Sancho won’t feature for disciplinary reasons.
MANCHESTER CITY
There’s little change to the Manchester City team news, with Bernardo Silva (unspecified), John Stones (hamstring) and Kevin De Bruyne (hamstring) still out.
Rodri serves the second game of a three-match ban after being sent off for violent conduct in Gameweek 6.
“We have training this afternoon but I think John is still not ready, Kevin is still not ready, Bernardo Silva is not ready. I think the rest is fine.” – Pep Guardiola
Guardiola added that Stones could be back “maybe next week or after Leipzig”.
Asked if Kalvin Phillips would step in for Rodri, the City boss said that the former Leeds man “has a chance like the other ones”.
BRIGHTON AND HOVE ALBION
Julio Enciso (knee), Pascal Gross (muscle) and James Milner (muscle) remain out but Roberto De Zerbi has confirmed that Evan Ferguson is back from illness in time for the trip to Aston Villa.
Gross could also return sooner than expected against Marseille on Thursday.
Adam Lallana will miss the Saturday lunchtime game with a minor issue.
ASTON VILLA
Leon Bailey (muscle) has joined Tyrone Mings (knee), Emi Buendia (knee), Tim Iroegbunam (back) and Diego Carlos (hamstring) on the sidelines after picking up an injury in Wednesday’s EFL Cup defeat to Everton.
Jacob Ramsey and Alex Moreno, both of whom had recently returned from lengthy lay-offs, weren’t involved against the Toffees. Unai Emery said on Friday that there’d be a late call on Ramsey, who remains in pain, adding that Moreno is still working on his fitness.
LUTON TOWN
Ross Barkley (hamstring) has trained in the past two days but the former Everton midfielder won’t be in contention to face his former club on Saturday.
Rob Edwards confirmed that Tom Lockyer has trained and is fit for selection, however, after a slight concern over the centre-half’s fitness this week.
Albert Sambi Lokonga (hamstring), Daniel Potts (ankle), Jordan Clark (ankle) and Gabriel Osho (knee) are all still out but Osho is at least now back on the grass.
WEST HAM UNITED
David Moyes confirmed that his squad are “pretty much fine” for the visit of Sheffield United, with the only absentee being back-up left-back Aaron Cresswell (hamstring).
BRENTFORD
Kevin Schade (muscle) has gone under the knife and has joined Ben Mee (muscle), Rico Henry (knee), Josh Dasilva (hamstring), Shandon Baptiste (shoulder) and Ivan Toney (suspended) on the unavailable list after picking up an injury shortly before the Everton defeat last weekend.
Mikkel Damsgaard (knee) has also had surgery after seeing a specialist in midweek to get to the bottom of his issues.
BOURNEMOUTH
Ryan Fredericks (calf), Emiliano Marcondes (foot) and Alex Scott (knee) are some distance from a return, while Chris Mepham (“small injury”) and Lloyd Kelly (calf) are unlikely to recover in time for Gameweek 7.
There was a fresh blow in midweek when Dominic Solanke picked up an ankle injury, and his manager is unsure whether he’ll recover in time to face Arsenal.
“We still don’t know with some players. We are training this afternoon and especially with Dom, he couldn’t train yesterday.
“We will see how he comes this afternoon. He will try, for sure, but we really don’t know yet.” – Andoni Iraola on Dominic Solanke
Tyler Adams (hamstring) returned from his own lengthy lay-off as a substitute in Wednesday’s cup tie against Stoke.
CRYSTAL PALACE
Sam Johnstone looks set to be without his main competition for some time after Dean Henderson picked up a thigh injury in midweek.
“He had an initial scan. It wasn’t very positive. He’ll have another scan in a week’s time. We may be lucky that it shows somewhat less damage but it didn’t look like good news.” – Roy Hodgson on Dean Henderson
Odsonne Edouard (hamstring) also remains sidelined after he limped out of the Gameweek 6 draw with Fulham and missed the cup defeat to Manchester United.
Jefferson Lerma (hamstring), James Tomkins (“minor injury”), Naouirou Ahamada (ankle), Matheus Franca (back) and Michael Olise (hamstring) were all unavailable on Tuesday, while Jairo Riedewald suffered muscular discomfort before being substituted at Old Trafford.
Franca has now resumed training.
FULHAM
Tosin Adarabioyo (groin) and Adama Traore (hamstring) remain unavailable, while Kenny Tete is being assessed after missing out with a “minor” groin issue in the last two matches in league and cup.
In more positive news, Sasa Lukic (knee) has rejoined training this week and will be in the squad on Monday night.
There was no update on Calvin Bassey, who suffered the recurrence of a back problem in Wednesday’s cup win over Norwich.
WOLVERHAMPTON WANDERERS
Loanee Tommy Doyle can’t face his parent club, while Jeanricner Bellegarde serves the second game of a three-match ban after his dismissal last weekend.
We’ve not heard any injury concerns affecting Wolves going into Saturday’s clash with the reigning champions.
NOTTINGHAM FOREST
Danilo (hamstring) remains out and Felipe is managing an ongoing knee niggle but the groin issue that forced Nuno Tavares off against Manchester City seems to be minor in nature.
“Nuno Tavares came off in the Man City game, but fortunately it’s not what we thought it might have been. It’s not a serious injury, so that is good. He is not far away.
“Danilo is just recovering from a medium-term injury. He is back on the grass, nowhere near being with the team but he is definitely making progress.” – Steve Cooper
EVERTON
Jack Harrison (hip) made his competitive comeback in the midweek cup win over Aston Villa, leaving only long-term absentees Dele Alli (hip), Seamus Coleman (knee) and Andre Gomes (calf) on the sidelines.
Vitalii Mykolenko picked up a minor problem on Wednesday, however, and will be assessed.
“Nothing too major, Myko came off. We’ve got to be careful with him, we’ll see how he is tomorrow. I think there were a few knocks but nothing too major.” – Sean Dyche
BURNLEY
Darko Churlinov (blood poisoning), Michael Obafemi (hamstring), Hjalmar Ekdal (knee) and Nathan Redmond (unspecified) remain out, while Lyle Foster serves the final game of a three-match ban before returning against Luton on Tuesday.
Manuel Benson (knock) also limped out of Tuesday’s cup win over Salford, a match that Johann Berg Gudmundsson (muscle tightness) missed after he himself had been withdrawn against Manchester United in Gameweek 6.
“Just obvious ones like players who went off like [Manuel] Benson. It’s not bad news for him but it has an impact on the squad for the weekend. It was a serious knock. It’s nothing dramatic though and hopefully, he will recover quickly.
“[Nathan] Redmond is making good progress. Hopefully, he’ll be back after the international break.” – Vincent Kompany
SHEFFIELD UNITED
Gus Hamer is “better” after being affected by injury last weekend, while John Fleck (leg) is back in training.
Oli McBurnie returns from a one-match ban, too.
“Oli is back from his suspension. Gus is that little bit better, he was carrying something last week. John Fleck has trained today, which is good for Flecky having had that broken leg in pre-season. So that’s another one back.
“No-one else to add to the injury list.” – Paul Heckingbottom
Ben Osborn (groin), Max Lowe (ankle), Rhys Norrington-Davies (hamstring), Daniel Jebbison (illness), George Baldock (calf) and Will Osula (unspecified) were all absent for the Gameweek 6 horror show, and none of them were mentioned by Paul Heckingbottom in his pre-match presser on Thursday.
The Blades boss did add that Rhian Brewster (hamstring) has trained fully in the last fortnight, so the next step for the striker is a combination of first-team cameos and under-21 starts.
“Once he’s back fit and playing and on the bench, and maybe coming off the bench, then that might impact on his minutes on a Monday, for example, if there’s an U21 game.” – Paul Heckingbottom on Rhian Brewster
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