There are 15 pre-match press conferences taking place today – and we’ll be bringing you the key Fantasy Premier League (FPL) team news for Gameweek 11 as it arrives.
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 managers of Tottenham Hotspur, Crystal Palace, Everton, Sheffield United and Bournemouth all faced the media on Thursday, with the headlines from those press conferences to be found in a separate round-up here.
GAMEWEEK 11 TEAM NEWS: INJURY UPDATES
- Arsenal: Arteta talks Odegaard + Jesus
- Liverpool: Diaz’s involvement up to the player, Klopp discusses Darwin
- Newcastle United: Botman may need knee surgery
- Chelsea: Mudryk back in training, Poch discusses James’ fitness
- Manchester City: Akanji back from a ban
- Brighton and Hove Albion: Estupinan not ready, Lamptey returns
- Wolverhampton Wanderers: Neto out until after the international break
- Aston Villa: Moreno could be involved at Forest
- Manchester United: Casemiro out for “several weeks”, Varane fit
- West Ham United: Two suspended, Zouma latest
- Brentford: Three closing in on returns
- Burnley: Foster set to miss out again, Beyer could return
- Fulham: Late calls on Tete, Tosin + Traore
- Nottingham Forest: Awoniyi needs careful management
- Luton Town: Six still unavailable
FRIDAY’S PRESS CONFERENCE TIMES
ARSENAL
Gabriel Jesus (muscle), Thomas Partey (muscle), Emile Smith Rowe (knee) and long-term absentee Jurrien Timber (knee) are assumed to be still on the sidelines for the trip to Tyneside, even though their manager was typically enigmatic in his press conference.
“We have another training session so, there is a possibility, but I don’t know.” – Mikel Arteta on whether Arsenal could welcome back any of their injured players this weekend
Smith Rowe is the newest addition to the injury list, having missed out on the midweek cup defeat to West Ham United.
“Nothing has changed. As I said, I think he will be out for weeks. How many will be determined in relation to how he progresses in the first few weeks especially.” – Martin Arteta on Emile Smith Rowe
Arteta, meanwhile, gave a brief mention of Jesus’ recovery.
“I cannot guarantee that [Jesus will return after the international break]. We are trying to get that recovery as quick as possible. I said that it would be weeks but it’s very difficult to put a timeframe still right now.”” – Mikel Arteta on Gabriel Jesus
The Arsenal boss was also asked whether Martin Odegaard, who has been benched in the last two matches in league and cup, could return to the starting XI this weekend.
“Yeah, we have tried to offload him a little bit because he had a little issue that he was grumbling with. He has felt much better in the last few days, we gave him a few minutes against West Ham. It was good to see, his contribution was really good. He will train today: if he is fine, he will be ready.” – Mikel Arteta on whether Martin Odegaard is ready to start
LIVERPOOL
Andrew Robertson (shoulder), Ben Doak (muscle), Stefan Bajcetic (calf) and Thiago Alcantara (hip) remain on the injury list ahead of the trip to Luton Town.
Curtis Jones returns from suspension this weekend, however.
Luis Diaz could even be involved despite off-the-field events back home in Colombia, with the decision to be left up to the winger himself.
“He was in training two days ago, he had yesterday a session and will be part of the team. We must wait – if he feels right, he will be here and train with us.
“The session he had with us, because then we were not here [for the cup game], you could see that when he is with the boys it is fine, it’s OK. But you could see as well that he didn’t sleep a lot.
“We have just to see how he is and then we go from there. The news from Colombia, I didn’t get them personally, I always get them forwarded. Everything that gives us a little bit of hope is good. We are waiting actually for the really good news, but that’s it pretty much.
“I cannot really say what we will do because we just wait where we can pick up the boy from and go from there. It’s all about him if he makes himself available or not – I will not force anything.” – Jurgen Klopp on Luis Diaz
Jurgen Klopp was also asked about his five attacking options and how he can keep them all satisfied with enough game-time.
“It’s no problem at all, the boys are all smart. It means they understand they can’t play all games. That’s how a smart footballer should think.
“We will not force the Luis situation, it’s not in our hands. We are waiting together for good news. But in that moment, it’s only four [options], all of a sudden, and a lot of games are coming. It’s only three games to the international break but after [that] the schedule turns completely crazy. At that time, we have to be ready.” – Jurgen Klopp on juggling his attacking options
Darwin Nunez was talked about specifically.
“It’s completely different now. The first year was hard for him and then hard for me as well. You see this incredible talent, massive potential, but it’s difficult to unfold it. I’m a manager who can help a player but I need contact for that. It can speed up the process by talking a lot with a player. I was not able to do that because I don’t speak Spanish and he couldn’t speak English. His English is now much better.
“He’s settled in the team, when you see him around in the building here, everything is different – he’s in a very good moment. It’s still only the start for him, of course. He’s in a good moment, long may it continue. In an ideal world, hopefully it continues like that forever. But then I’m a bit afraid of the heights he could reach, there is so much there. Crazy. At least we found a real starting moment, let’s work from here.” – Jurgen Klopp on Darwin Nunez
NEWCASTLE UNITED
Harvey Barnes (toe), Jacob Murphy (shoulder) and Elliot Anderson (back) may not be seen before Christmas, while Alexander Isak (groin) is now targeting a return after the November international break.
Lewis Miley (illness) isn’t expected back this weekend after his recent struggle with glandular fever, while Eddie Howe revealed on Tuesday that Javier Manquillo‘s recent absence from the matchday squad was linked to yet another groin injury.
Matt Targett (hamstring) then limped off after five minutes of Wednesday’s win at Old Trafford, with Howe saying on Friday that the injury “doesn’t look good”. The defender will now have a scan to determine the extent of the problem.
Sandro Tonali, of course, has begun a 10-month ban.
The most significant injury update from Howe from an FPL perspective concerned Sven Botman, who he said may need surgery if his knee problem doesn’t improve in the coming weeks.
“No, I don’t think for this game we’re expecting anyone who wasn’t available before Wolves to be available now. The majority are longer-term, unfortunately for us, that’s the position we’re in. We’ll go with a very similar squad.
“Botman is unclear at the moment, we’re sort of going day by day with that one currently. Alex [Isak], we hope will be back after the international break.
“I think we’re going to have to wait and see the next few weeks [with Sven] and then hopefully I’ll be able to give you some more news. At the moment, we’re still waiting to find out.” – Eddie Howe
“You wouldn’t be miles away.” – Eddie Howe, when asked if Newcastle were biding their time to see if Sven Botman needs knee surgery
Botman’s usual partner in crime, Fabian Schar, wasn’t involved against Manchester United in midweek due to illness.
“Fab was just a little bit under the weather, hence why he didn’t travel.
“He should be OK, let’s wait and see how he is today.” – Eddie Howe
CHELSEA
Mykhailo Mudryk (muscle) has returned to full training ahead of the Spurs match, while Armando Broja could be involved on the bench despite the Chelsea medical bulletin confirming that he “continues to receive treatment for irritation on the knee”.
Ben Chilwell (hamstring), Romeo Lavia (ankle), Christopher Nkunku (knee), Wesley Fofana (knee), Trevoh Chalobah (hamstring) and Carney Chukwuemeka (knee) remain out.
Reece James lasted an hour of Chelsea’s cup win over Blackburn Rovers, with Mauricio Pochettino asked in his presser about his starting prospects in Gameweek 11.
“We’ll see first of all if he’s available and then if my decision is to play with him or not.
“I think it was good for him to start the game and to feel a game after a few months. He’s our captain and a very important player. Now we need to assess him to see if he’s ready or not to start on Monday.” – Mauricio Pochettino on Reece James
MANCHESTER CITY
With Manuel Akanji returning from a ban, the only Manchester City player confirmed to be out of Gameweek 11 is long-term absentee Kevin De Bruyne (hamstring).
Pep Guardiola didn’t discuss any injuries in the broadcast section of his pre-match press conference.
There were a couple of quotes of vague interest concerning Julian Alvarez and Jeremy Doku, although we’ve learned from experience in the past that press conference praise doesn’t mean game-time guarantees.
“When I give minutes to all the players I have, the expectation will be high because all the players I have are at a high level. It depends on me how many minutes I give to them – all of them. Any player that didn’t play much [and then] I let him play 10 or 15 games in a row, he will play good. So the quality is there.” – Pep Guardiola on Julian Alvarez
“He listens, he improves. You realise what we suggest or comment on something is going for his game or our game he gets it immediately. His impact has been really, really good and minutes have played from the beginning on the bench, the impact was massive.” – Pep Guardiola on Jeremy Doku
BRIGHTON AND HOVE ALBION
Solly March (knee), Danny Welbeck (muscle) and Julio Enciso (knee) are on the longer-term injury list, while the trip to Everton comes too soon for Pervis Estupinan (muscle) despite his recent return to training.
Roberto De Zerbi said he didn’t know when Estupinan would be back.
Tariq Lamptey (muscle) is, however, available.
“Pervis Estupinan is not available. Tariq, yes, Tariq is on the list for tomorrow.
“I don’t know [when Estupinan will be back], it is a difficult situation because I don’t want to take a risk. Pervis is injured for one month already. I think we have to be sure when he is back with the group.” – Roberto De Zerbi
Jakub Moder, out of action for 18 months with a knee injury, got half an hour for the under-21s last weekend.
“I am happy for [Jakub] because I was a player and I know a player can suffer when they’re injured.
“He can be important for us, for sure, now he’s working with us in the group with the other players in training. He’s starting to play with the under-21s to get more minutes.” – Roberto De Zerbi
WOLVERHAMPTON WANDERERS
Joe Hodge (shoulder) and Hugo Bueno (knee) have now been joined on the injury list by Pedro Neto (hamstring), who will now be absent until after the November international break.
Gary O’Neil didn’t give an exact timeframe on the midfielder but said he’d be out for “a few weeks”.
“Not really, not accurately. ‘A few weeks’ is probably about where we are with it at the moment. He won’t be available this weekend or next weekend. Then we go into an international break and we’ll see how he’s healing at that point. Nothing definitive.
“We’re hopeful that we’ll get him back quickly.” – Gary O’Neil, when asked if he had a return date for Pedro Neto
Jean-Ricner Bellegarde (calf) should be back after missing the last two Gameweeks with a “small” muscle injury.
ASTON VILLA
Long-term Aston Villa absentees Tyrone Mings (knee) and Emi Buendia (knee) will remain out for potentially all of 2023/24, while Jacob Ramsey (foot) won’t return before the international break.
Alex Moreno (hamstring) could make a Gameweek 11 comeback, however, having returned to training this week. Unai Emery said in Friday’s presser that he “may be” involved at the City Ground.
Jhon Duran missed Sunday’s win over Luton Town with an infected toe, with an update awaited on him.
MANCHESTER UNITED
Jadon Sancho (disciplinary), Lisandro Martinez (foot), Luke Shaw (muscle), Amad Diallo (knee) and Tyrell Malacia (knee) remain out for the Red Devils.
Elsewhere, Casemiro (ankle) and Aaron Wan-Bissaka (hamstring) recovered in time to face Newcastle United in Wednesday’s cup defeat. The Brazilian, however, was subsequently revealed to have picked up a hamstring injury against the Magpies and will miss “several weeks”.
Raphael Varane, benched in the Manchester derby and again in midweek, is available to play but Victor Lindelof is a doubt because of illness.
“Varane is ready to play, so he will be travelling with the squad.
“Victor Lindelof – some illness. We have to see if he’s ready for tomorrow.” – Erik ten Hag
WEST HAM UNITED
The Hammers welcome back Emerson Palmieri from suspension but have now lost Lucas Paqueta and Edson Alvarez, both of whom collected their fifth bookings of the season in Gameweek 10.
Kurt Zouma (knee) wasn’t part of the West Ham squad to face Arsenal in the EFL Cup and David Moyes remained unsure about his Gameweek 11 availability when asked in his pre-match presser.
The centre-half has done “a little bit of training”, at least.
BRENTFORD
Kevin Schade (muscle), Rico Henry (knee) and Ivan Toney (suspended) are on the longer-term absentee list but the Brentford injury situation is improving elsewhere.
Keane Lewis-Potter (calf), Mikkel Damsgaard (knee) and Josh Dasilva (hamstring) are all back on the grass, with the first two aiming to be in full training next week.
Shandon Baptiste (shoulder) has already returned to training with his teammates and featured for the B team on Tuesday.
BURNLEY
Vincent Kompany said that Lyle Foster (illness) hasn’t improved much since last week and he’ll miss Saturday’s game against Crystal Palace.
“Yeah at the moment it’s still no sign of improvement. The only thing I can more or less say is that he is probably not going to be available before the international break. It’s something we have to deal with. [serious illness?] No, I don’t think I can go into too much detail now but I’m sure next week we’ll be able to discuss it further.” – Vincent Kompany on Lyle Foster
Jordan Beyer (knee), however, could return against the Eagles.
Manuel Benson (unspecified), Aaron Ramsey (knock) and Hjalmar Ekdal (knee) were all on the injury list in Gameweek 10, none of them returning for the midweek cup defeat to Everton.
And also remaining out of the first-team picture was Michael Obafemi (hamstring), who was back in action for the under-21 side last week with a half-hour run-out.
It’s one in, one out on the suspension front as Connor Roberts returns but Josh Cullen serves a one-match ban for yellow card accumulation.
“[Ramsay] felt something as well. They’re not your classic hamstring pulls and quads and all this kind of stuff, we’re just picking up knocks, twists and stuff. He’s one of the players that will probably not recover straight away either.
“Beyer really positive, so he’s been training well and Ekdal [is] slowly getting there. I can’t tell you whether he’s going to be fit before the end of the international break or not, or match fit, but it’s on the right way.
“There’s a chance [Beyer could play tomorrow], yes. It would balance out on missing Cullen and Foster.” – Vincent Kompany
FULHAM
Tosin Adarabioyo (groin), Adama Traore (hamstring) and Kenny Tete (groin) are closing in on returns, with late calls to be made on their involvement ahead of the Manchester United game.
Issa Diop (foot) is expected to be out until after the next international break.
NOTTINGHAM FOREST
Divock Origi (hip) and Callum Hudson-Odoi (hamstring) have been joined on the sidelines by Chris Wood (hamstring), who Steve Cooper said on Friday would be out until after the international break.
The sort-of-fit-again Taiwo Awoniyi needs to be carefully managed, meanwhile.
“Taiwo… is a player that we have to manage, it’s a bit of a complex situation with his injury. It’s an ongoing one and it will be for a little while. It’s frustrating for him more than anybody else because he was doing so well and this has really held him back. It’s not been as simple as: he’s back training and he’s fully fit. It’s something that is going to be a managing process for a little bit of time now. We’ll see if he’s available for the weekend, we hope it is, but it could go either way.” – Steve Cooper
Danilo (hamstring) is nearing a return and has partly resumed training but Felipe (knee) and Gonzalo Montiel (calf) are presumably still out, based on Cooper’s update below.
“Danilo is back in training, not quite in full training yet but not far away, so he will hopefully feature in the coming weeks. Everybody else is the same, I think, we didn’t pick up anything at the weekend. A couple of illnesses in the camp but we are as we were really.” – Steve Cooper
Cooper also answered questions about his goalkeeper, Matt Turner, following his error at Anfield last weekend.
“We have got a decision to make with every position. You asked the question because Matt made a mistake for the third goal against Liverpool, which was a real unfortunate one and one that gets highlighted even more because of the type of mistake and the position he plays and the fact it resulted in a goal.
“That’s the question, and I appreciate that. It was a mistake for sure, but if we weigh up all of the good things Matt has done compared to mistakes for goals, then the positives completely outweigh the negatives. Matt has held his hands up for the mistake because he is that type of guy.
“It wasn’t the only mistake on the day. There were mistakes made the week before and there will be mistakes made in the future because that’s just what we all do – we do good things and we make mistakes as well.
“But we, and he, will grow from that and get better. And we want to be a team and a coaching staff that when people make mistakes, we support each other and not criticise too much and isolate people. We want to bring people closer together, because everyone is going to make mistakes.
“Matt has trained brilliantly this week. We reviewed the game for what it was, including that goal.
“But the strength of anyone is how they bounce back from mistakes or setbacks. I have no doubt that Matt and other people will do in the future as well.” – Steve Cooper
LUTON TOWN
It’s as you were for the Luton Town team news, with Daniel Potts (ankle), Mads Andersen (hamstring), Amari’i Bell (hamstring), Reece Burke (hamstring), Albert Sambi Lokonga (hamstring) and Jordan Clark (ankle) all still sidelined.
