We’ll have 16 pre-match press conferences to cover on Friday as we bring you the latest Gameweek 33 team news.
Unai Emery was a late addition to the schedule, having originally been omitted from the list below.
This is a ‘live’ blog, so we will add the key quotes as and when they arrive. Hit refresh for the latest updates.
For a summary of Thursday’s four press conferences, visit this article here.
FPL GAMEWEEK 33 TEAM NEWS: FRIDAY’S KEY INJURY UPDATES
- Manchester City: Guardiola to assess Foden et al after training, Ederson the “first choice”
- Liverpool: Klopp on Alexander-Arnold and Jota
- Arsenal: Saka seen in training, Gabriel not
- Tottenham Hotspur: Richarlison remains out, everyone else “unscathed”
- Chelsea: Chilwell in “partial training”, Sterling + Sanchez ill, Enzo + Disasi assessed
- Newcastle United: Hall hasn’t trained, Willock unlikely, Livramento on the grass
- Aston Villa: Cash + Lenglet train with the team
- Manchester United: Varane + Evans out, McTominay unlikely, Rashford trains
- Brentford: No fresh concerns, Toney fine, Schade + Pinnock back in the squad
- Wolverhampton Wanderers: Hwang in the squad, Ait-Nouri will travel
- Crystal Palace: Olise close to starting, Guehi aiming for a Gameweek 36 return
- Bournemouth: Semenyo + Tavernier out, illness still affecting the squad
- West Ham United: Moyes not expecting Bowen back, unsure on Areola
- Brighton and Hove Albion: Enciso + Lamptey added to the injury list, seven others out
- Luton Town: Kabore ineligible, Mengi + Burke fresh concerns
- Fulham: No injuries yet again, Broja overcomes minor scare
FPL GAMEWEEK 33 TEAM NEWS: FRIDAY’S PRESS CONFERENCE TIMES
MANCHESTER CITY
There was a predictable response from Pep Guardiola when he was asked about the latest on Phil Foden (knock/dead leg), Nathan Ake (calf), Kyle Walker (hamstring) and Kevin De Bruyne (sickness).
“We will have training this afternoon, we will know better how they feel.
“I woud like to tell you [the details of Foden’s injury] but I didn’t see the team or speak with the doctors. So, we will train this afternoon. Now, when I finish the press conference, I will make a meeting and we will see how they feel.” – Pep Guardiola
There was a little more on Ederson, who has been back on the bench after injury in the last two matches.
“No, Eddy is the first choice. He was ready to play against Madrid, he is ready to play tomorrow. He is going to play the next game. We take the decisions for many reasons.” – Pep Guardiola on whether Ederson’s benchings meant that Stefan Ortega was the new number one
Guardiola also hinted that Rodri may get a rest, something the midfielder himself said he needed this week.
“You have player that doesn’t want to play, he is not going to play. It’s simple. Another one is going to play. If he feels tired, feels exhausted, can happen. Another player is going to play.” – Pep Guardiola
LIVERPOOL
Jurgen Klopp’s Gameweek 33 press conference was held in the aftermath of Thursday’s loss to Atalanta.
The Liverpool boss gave us an update on Diogo Jota (knee) and Trent Alexander-Arnold (knee), who were back in the matchday squad for the first time since February. Jota got onto the field in the closing stages but Alexander-Arnold seemingly wasn’t close to doing so.
“There was no chance to play Trent [against Atalanta]. He was on the bench because we were allowed to put 23 players into the squad. He had two sessions.
“Diogo didn’t have more really but the information from the medical department is [he was] a step ahead, so he can play a little bit longer.
“There is no pressure [to protect players returning from injury], it is just the situation. My job is now not the easiest job in the world, not the most difficult as well, but it’s about when you have players you need to make sure that you get them together on the pitch and that it works out somehow.
“In different line-ups we have played really good football this year [but on Thursday] we didn’t. So that’s the reason why we lost.
“But we need them all and we need them all aggressive, fit, going for it, a bit angry, full of desire, stuff like this, and not so much dealing with your own situation, like, ‘I’ve no rhythm, I didn’t play for ages’, stuff like this. You have to try to avoid that.
“I think Diogo was absolutely fine tonight [for] 20 minutes, it helped him a lot and now we will see what we can do from there.” – Jurgen Klopp
Stefan Bajcetic (calf) was also among the substitutes but Alisson (hamstring) wasn’t involved. Klopp suggested earlier in the week that the goalkeeper wasn’t in full training yet.
Ben Doak (knee), Thiago Alcantara (muscle) and Joel Matip (knee) are out longer term.
ARSENAL
Sky Sports News reported ahead of Mikel Arteta’s press conference that Gabriel Magalhaes wasn’t sighted in training on Friday.
The Arsenal boss gave little away about the Brazilian.
“We’ve got one more day to prepare the match and we’ll see tomorrow if everybody is available.” – Mikel Arteta, when asked about Gabriel’s absence from training
“We have some but hopefully with another day we’re going to be okay.” – Mikel Arteta, when asked whether there had been any hangovers from the Bayern Munich game
Bukayo Saka, who seemed to be hobbling after Tuesday’s draw with Bayern Munich, was seen with his teammates, however.
Arsenal have only got Jurrien Timber (knee) definitely on the sidelines.
“Still he’s got a few steps to make. He needs to play a game at least with the under-23s. We’re going to have an in-house game, as well. He’s done everything in training now it’s about getting that match fitness.” – Mikel Arteta on Jurrien Timber
TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR
Richarlison won’t be available this weekend, with the Lilywhites set to give the Brazilian another fortnight to get over his niggly knee injury.
There are no fresh fitness concerns for Ange Postecoglou, at least.
“Not for this week. Close but obviously with the weekend off next week, we’re going to give him some time to recover. He’s on track to do that.
“Everyone else from last week has got through unscathed and is ready to go.” – Ange Postecoglou on Richarlison
Manor Solomon (knee), Fraser Forster (foot) and Ryan Sessegnon (hamstring) are likely out for the season.
CHELSEA
There were four new additions to the Chelsea injury list, which was published on Friday afternoon.
Raheem Sterling and Robert Sanchez are ill, while Enzo Fernandez and Axel Disasi are having injuries assessed.
“We will see. They are under assessment. They have different types of issues. We don’t believe they are big issues but we will see if they can be available.
“At the moment, they have not trained after Sheffield, not training with the group. That is why we do not know if they can be involved or not for Monday.” – Mauricio Pochettino on Enzo Fernandez and Axel Disasi
Romeo Lavia (thigh), Lesley Ugochukwu (hamstring), Levi Colwill (toe), Reece James (hamstring), Wesley Fofana (knee) and Christopher Nkunku (hamstring) remain out, meanwhile.
There is a small boost with the return to “partial training” of Ben Chilwell, who has been ruled out with fluid on the knee and then illness since the March international break.
“Chilly is training, partial training today with the team. We’ll see if he can be involved with the squad, on the bench for Monday. It’s good news, but it’s true what you say, he has not played too much this season.” – Mauricio Pochettino
Malo Gusto‘s omission from the squad to face Sheffield United was previously described as a “rest” by Mauricio Pochettino. Cole Palmer‘s withdrawal in the same game was also said to be fatigue-related.
NEWCASTLE UNITED
Newcastle’s injury list has got even worse since last weekend.
Eddie Howe revealed on Friday that Lewis Hall (quad) hadn’t trained all week, so the Chelsea loanee is a doubt.
“Lewis Hall has not trained at all this week, so he’s been a slight concern from the previous game.
“Tightness in his quad. No muscle pull directly but enough to see him miss training this week. So, he’s a doubt for the game.” – Eddie Howe
Joe Willock is also unlikely to feature after suffering the recurrence of his old Achilles injury.
“Joe’s been to see another specialist to check on the progress of his Achilles, which has been problematic for him. It’s been a difficult injury because it’s not been straightforward. He’s had a few complications through the process of him returning back to full fitness. The feedback was positive generally, in the respect that the Achilles is healing and is doing well, but it will fluctuate from time to time. He will have moments when it is not feeling so good.
“For Tottenham, I’m not sure, I probably think he won’t be available for us. There’s a chance that he will be available, then, throughout the rest of the season but again that’s slightly unclear. We need to make sure the long-term prognosis for him is positive [so] that might mean a short period of rest.” – Eddie Howe on Joe Willock
Howe isn’t expecting any of his injured players to return, either. Tino Livramento (ankle) is the closest to a comeback, with Kieran Trippier (calf) maybe not far behind him.
“The closest player to coming back would be Tino Livramento, who has not joined in training yet but has been more visible on the grass.
“[Kieran is] doing well. He’d be one of the players in the background that’s starting to feel really good. He’s still not on the training pitch with us but positive signs, positive outlook for him, and hopefully he’ll be back soon.” – Eddie Howe
Jamaal Lascelles (knee), Sven Botman (knee), Joelinton (quad), Lewis Miley (back), Callum Wilson (tendon), Miguel Almiron (knee), Nick Pope (shoulder) and Matt Targett (Achilles) miss out again.
Sandro Tonali remains banned until August, too.
ASTON VILLA
Douglas Luiz begins a two-match ban for Villa.
Longer-term injury victims Jacob Ramsey (foot), Tyrone Mings (knee), Boubacar Kamara (knee) and Emi Buendia (knee) also remain out.
Clement Lenglet, who Unai Emery said missed out in the last two matches with a “small problem”, and Matty Cash (hamstring) have returned to training, however. They could be involved against Arsenal on Sunday.
MANCHESTER UNITED
Raphael Varane (muscle) and Jonny Evans (muscle) won’t recover to face Bournemouth, while Scott McTominay (unknown) is unlikely to feature.
Varane will be out for “the next few weeks”, while Evans’ injury is a shorter-term issue.
“Scott, I dont think so. We have training, so we have a day, he will push. He is so keen to be part of it tomorrow but I think it is very questioning.” – Erik ten Hag
Luke Shaw (muscle), Tyrell Malacia (knee), Victor Lindelof (hamstring), Lisandro Martinez (calf) and Anthony Martial (groin) are all still out, too.
Marcus Rashford, who hobbled out of the draw with Liverpool, has trained, however. A late decision will be taken on his involvement.
“Rashy trained yesterday, [we will] see how he recovered from it today. We will have another training today and then we will make a decision on it.” – Erik ten Hag
BRENTFORD
Ivan Toney is fine to feature against Sheffield United this weekend. Toney was only on the bench in Gameweek 32, with Thomas Frank explaining the striker had been “carrying a small muscle injury in the hip”.
There are no fresh concerns from last weekend, while Kevin Schade (adductor) and Ethan Pinnock (ankle) will be back in the squad in a further boost.
That leaves only Christian Nørgaard (back), Rico Henry (knee), Josh Dasilva (knee), Ben Mee (ankle) and Aaron Hickey (hamstring) on the injury list.
WOLVERHAMPTON WANDERERS
Hwang Hee-chan (hamstring) will be in the squad for the trip to the City Ground.
Gary O’Neil also expects Rayan Ait-Nouri to overcome a minor calf issue. He will travel to Nottingham, too.
Pedro Neto (hamstring) remains out, while the game likely comes too soon for Jean-Ricner Bellegarde (knee).
“Hee-chan is in the matchday squad, fantastic news for us. Cunha is still fine, he’s in the matchday squad. Daws, in the matchday squad again.
“Bellegarde, comes probably too early. We’ll check him in the morning but I wouldn’t think that JJ would play much of a part.
“I think the rest of the travelling squad is the same.
“Rayan is with the group, Rayan will travel with the group. He’s had a different week to the others, of course, with the slight issue that he has. But it is a minor issue, nothing too significant in there. He’ll travel with the group, we’ll name the team in the morning. Gives him another day, as well, just to see how he’s feeling but yeah, I envisage him being part of the matchday squad tomorrow.” – Gary O’Neil
CRYSTAL PALACE
Oliver Glasner says Michael Olise is “close to starting” after training all week.
The winger marked his return from injury with a cameo off the bench last weekend.
Jairo Riedewald could also be available again after recovering from an unspecified injury. Jesurun Rak-Sakyi (hamstring) is thought to be nearing a return, too.
But the Eagles will again be without Sam Johnstone (elbow), Matheus Franca (groin), Marc Guehi (knee), Cheick Doucoure (Achilles), Rob Holding (ankle) and Chris Richards (knee).
Glasner revealed that Guehi is targeting a return in Gameweek 36.
BOURNEMOUTH
The Bournemouth squad are still not over the illness that affected availability and minutes in Gameweeks 31 and 32. Chris Mepham missed both matches and remains out.
Andoni Iraola has five other players sidelined, with Marcus Tavernier (hamstring) and Antoine Semenyo (calf) added to the injury list. Tavernier’s issue is the more serious, with Semenyo’s problem described as “not big”.
Tyler Adams (back), Ryan Fredericks (calf) and Luis Sinisterra (hamstring) also remain out for the Cherries.
WEST HAM UNITED
David Moyes isn’t expecting Jarrod Bowen to be fit this weekend.
The winger hobbled out of the draw with Wolves after taking a knock to his hip/rib, with the winger suffering a”twist” as a result of the impact.
Moyes added that he was unsure whether Kalvin Phillips (hamstring) and Alphonse Areola (groin) would be available.
All three players missed Thursday’s UEFA Europa League tie with Bayer Leverkusen.
Konstantinos Mavropanos “felt something” in that game and had to come off, so will be assessed.
BRIGHTON AND HOVE ALBION
The Seagulls will again be without Jack Hinshelwood (foot), Solly March (knee), Kauro Mitoma (back). Billy Gilmour (knee), Adam Webster (muscle), Evan Ferguson (ankle) and James Milner (muscle).
And now added to that injury list are Tariq Lamptey and Julio Enciso.
Roberto De Zerbi doesn’t yet know the extent of the pair’s injuries but they’ll miss the clash with Burnley.
De Zerbi confirmed that Bart Verbruggen would start again for the Seagulls.
LUTON TOWN
Loanee Issa Kabore won’t be able to face his parent club Manchester City this weekend.
Rob Edwards has even more to contend with on the injury front, too.
Albert Sambi Lokonga (hamstring), Chiedozie Ogbene (hamstring), Gabriel Osho (knee), Elijah Adebayo (hamstring), Amari’i Bell (hamstring), Dan Potts (hamstring), Jacob Brown (knee), Mads Andersen (calf), Marvelous Nakamba (knee) and Tom Lockyer (health) are all still unavailable.
And now Reece Burke and Teden Mengi, the only hitherto fit senior centre-halves, are doubts.
FULHAM
Fulham, once again, have a fully fit squad.
There was a minor scare in midweek involving loanee Armando Broja but a scan has revealed no damage, so Marco Silva still has a clean bill of health.
