Team News

FPL Gameweek 9 live team news: Welbeck + more injury updates

An earlier-than-usual Fantasy Premier League (FPL) deadline means earlier-than-usual Gameweek 9 team news – at least from some managers.

Nuno Espirito Santo and Steve Cooper both faced reporters on Wednesday ahead of Friday’s clash at the King Power Stadium.

On Thursday, a further five Premier League managers fulfilled their media commitments.

We’ve got the headline updates from all seven pressers in the article below – and we’ll gradually add more quotes as and when the press conferences become available to watch in full.

We expect the other 13 top-flight managers to hold pressers on Friday.

GAMEWEEK 9 TEAM NEWS: INJURY UPDATES FROM WEDNESDAY AND THURSDAY

GAMEWEEK 9 TEAM NEWS: THURSDAY’S PRESS CONFERENCE TIMES

BRIGHTON AND HOVE ALBION

Less than a week after being stretchered off on Tyneside, Danny Welbeck (back) could make a very swift return to action.

“It’s still too early to say if he can play or not but he will train today and then we will see afterwards how this training session went, then we will make a decision.

“I think he got hit on a nerve and then when you get a hit on the nerve, then you don’t feel the leg for an amount of time and I think that’s exactly what happened. It was very painful, it’s still painful. But again, we have to make a check today in the training session and then we have to make a lot of treatment for him.

“Our medical [staff] and our physios, they’re working every hour with him together to make him fit for the game. This will be the challenge for us but hopefully everything will be good.” – Fabian Hurzeler on Danny Welbeck

Yankuba Minteh, who missed the rematch with his former employers, remains a doubt.

“With Minteh, we have to go day by day. He has a small issue with his muscle after his international games with Gambia.

“But one thing is clear, we won’t take any risk with the players because it’s still early in the season. The hard period of the Premier League is still in front of us.” – Fabian Hurzeler

Adam Webster (hamstring), James Milner (hamstring), Joao Pedro (ankle) and Matt O’Riley (ankle) are also on the Albion injury list.

Solly March (knee) is someone who is injury-free but the Seagulls are taking their time with him. The winger has, at least, had game-time with the under-21s as he bids to build fitness after a very long lay-off. 

“With Joao we have to be a little bit more patient but I think there will be a comeback soon. I can’t say the exact date of the comeback.

“Solly is back in training.

“With Adam, we still have to be patient. I think it takes two, three more weeks till he’s back on the pitch but he’s very positive and I think the injury is not [as] bad as we expected it to be.” – Fabian Hurzeler

EVERTON

Tim Iroegbunam (foot), Youssef Chermiti (foot) and Armando Broja (foot) remain out, while James Garner continues to be assessed for a niggling back injury.

“Jimmy Garner, we’re waiting on more news, just a specialist view on a back injury, so we’re waiting on that.

“Broja is getting on the edge of coming into training. He’s doing loads of work with the sports science team but not yet. Soft start for him and see where that goes but hopeful that will continue because he’s making good progress.

“Chermiti is making progress but, obviously, it’s a very strange injury with the tendon coming off the big toe – a very odd injury. He’s beginning to make progress but he’s still a number of weeks away, that’s for sure.

“We’re looking at weeks [for Iroegbunam], certainly weeks, because of the type of injury it is – a bone injury. We’ve just got to wait for it to settle. He’s still in a boot at the moment – they don’t tend to use casts now, it’s a sort of boot that protects it. We’re just waiting on that to heal then get him back to training but it is going to be a number of weeks still yet.” – Sean Dyche

Jarrad Branthwaite (quad) and Jesper Lindstrom (illness) look set to return for the clash with Fulham, however.

“He has trained all week. I made a call on it last week, decided not to go with him in the squad because I think it was important for him to have a week’s training – a clear week’s training – which he has done, so, yes, he will certainly be part of the squad.” – Sean Dyche on Jarrad Branthwaite

FULHAM

Joachim Andersen will serve a one-match ban at Craven Cottage following his sending off last weekend.

Sasa Lukic (shoulder) and Timothy Castagne (hamstring) also remain out, the former for another “3-4 weeks”.

Carlos Vinicius (calf) and Jorge Cuenca (ankle) have been back in training, however, with a late call to be made on their involvement this weekend.

Aside from team news, Marco Silva said he would choose from “3-4 players who can take penalties” after Andreas Pereira‘s miss from the spot last Saturday.

NOTTINGHAM FOREST

Morgan Gibbs-White and James Ward-Prowse are now free from suspension – but the former still has to prove his fitness after suffering an ankle injury in Gameweek 7.

Nuno Espirito Santo, as ever, was keeping his cards close to his chest.

“It is a day-by-day process so let’s see how he is. He is better today, let’s hope he is even better tomorrow and keeps progressing like all the players.” – Nuno Espirito Santo on Morgan Gibbs-White

“We’re still assessing everyone because it was a tough game (on Monday). We’re still assessing, one day to go. But players are recovering.” – Nuno Espirito Santo on Morgan Gibbs-White

Those “recovering players” may include Callum Hudson-Odoi, who reportedly took a knock before being replaced on Monday night.

Danilo (ankle) and Ibrahima Sangare (hamstring) are out long term.

IPSWICH TOWN

Budget FPL defenders Axel Tuanzebe (thumb), Ben Johnson (thigh) and Jacob Greaves (hamstring) are all still sidelined ahead of this weekend.

So too is Massimo Luongo (ankle) but fellow midfielder Jens Cajuste (knee) could potentially return to face Brentford.

Boss Kieran McKenna meanwhile hinted at some fresh concerns for the Tractor Boys.

“We’ve had a couple of big injuries to key defenders and have some more challenges going into this weekend.

“None of the players who weren’t involved against Everton will come back into the picture this weekend and we’ve got a few other issues that we have to assess over the next 48 hours.  

“Ben Johnson is still out with a small thigh injury. There was a possibility he could have made it for this weekend, but he’s not been able to make it. We’ll have to see how he is next week. 

“The timeframe for Axel is still rough, to be honest. He won’t be back before the next international break. We’re still looking at what type of cast can be fitted and when it would be suitable. It won’t be before Tottenham.

“Jens has trained in the last two days, so we’ll have to make a judgement tomorrow as to whether he can be involved in the game and for how long.” – Kieran McKenna, as quoted in the East Anglian Daily Times

SOUTHAMPTON

Ross Stewart (hamstring) and Gavin Bazunu (Achilles) remain on the injury list, which once again now includes Will Smallbone (hamstring).

The midfielder returned from a lay-off last weekend, only to subsequently reinjure himself.

Sugawara Yukinari is a doubt following the last-gasp defeat to Leicester City, too.

“Yuki had to come off, so we’ve managed him a little bit this week, or having to manage him. I think another 24 hours will depend on if he’s ready to start or not.

“We’ll have to make a decision on that and Will Smallbone is out now for a little bit of time, which is really frustrating and disappointing for us.” – Russell Martin, as quoted in the Daily Echo

Jack Stephens is back, however: he has served successive three-match and two-match bans and is now available.

LEICESTER CITY

There’s nothing much new on the team news front from Leicester City.

Patson Daka (ankle), Jakub Stolarczyk (ankle) and Hamza Choudhury (shoulder) remain on the sidelines for the Foxes.

Jannik Vestergaard does, too. He had returned from an ankle injury in time to represent Denmark in the October internationals but suffered a recurrence of the issue ahead of Gameweek 8.

“Jannik had a recurrence with his ankle on [matchday] minus one, ruled him out of selection for Southampton. So that was a bit of a setback for him, it shouldn’t rule him out for too long. That was a bit of a pity because, as I said last week, he got some good minutes with the national team and it was good to get him back involved but he’s had a bit of setback from when he returned.

“Hopefully, it’s a bit less [than a few weeks out]. It’s something that he has had before.

“Apart from that, we are as we were. The guys who have been out for a longer period, they are getting closer. Pato [Daka] has been on the grass and is being a bit more progressive with his rehab. So, he seems to be getting closer but we’re as we’re were.” – Steve Cooper



203 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Rico123
    • 2 Years
    5 months, 11 days ago

    I have 1FT left having made a couple of changes already to get Palmer in. Would you

    A. Keep Diaz (for this week - probably move next) and roll transfer
    B. Do Diaz to Maddison (have Johnson)

    0
    1. Crunchie
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      5 months, 11 days ago

      Roll Diaz will start surely

      0
    2. jacob1989
      • 3 Years
      5 months, 11 days ago

      Sell Diaz but not sure on spurs double up.

      0
    3. FourLokoLeipzig
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      5 months, 11 days ago

      Roll, Diaz could have some fun up against that makeshift Arsenal defence. Saliba is one of the best centre-backs in the world right now so no way his absence won’t affect them

      0
    4. Gazza2000
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      5 months, 11 days ago

      A

      0
    5. Mozumbus
      • 3 Years
      5 months, 11 days ago

      Roll

      0
    6. Rico123
      • 2 Years
      5 months, 11 days ago

      Thanks all - I think roll it is! And then might move him on next week due to minutes risk - most likely downgrade to a Dibling so I can upgrade Stewart up front and shift to 3-4-3 as think there are better options at the Diaz price point up front

      0
  2. jacob1989
    • 3 Years
    5 months, 11 days ago

    Tc haaland yes or no?

    0
    1. Joyce1998
      • 9 Years
      5 months, 11 days ago

      I'm doing it, probably backfire. But that fixture is too good to go unmissed

      +1
    2. FourLokoLeipzig
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      5 months, 11 days ago

      Yep

      +1
    3. Mozumbus
      • 3 Years
      5 months, 11 days ago

      No

      0
  3. NJ MetroStars
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 3 Years
    5 months, 11 days ago

    2 ft, 1.0 itb.

    a) gabriel --> gvardiol
    b) havertz --> ??
    c) something else???

    raya

    gabriel, lewis, ait nouri

    palmer, mbuemo, johnson, rogers

    haaland, havertz, solanke

    (fab, van den berg, mcneil, davis)

    +1
    1. Gazza2000
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      5 months, 11 days ago

      Roll

      0
    2. NumberSix
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 3 Years
      5 months, 11 days ago

      I have near to the exact team only Gvardiol over Lewis and Salah over Palmer. Then ESR for Johnson.

      there seems to be a Salah bias from content creators as he’s basically v difficult to put into the team if you haven’t already done so. But he is the highest scoring player!

      0
    3. NumberSix
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 3 Years
      5 months, 11 days ago

      I also put in Watkins for Havertz

      0
      1. Rico123
        • 2 Years
        5 months, 11 days ago

        I’d do this I think

        0
  4. Evasivo
    • 14 Years
    5 months, 11 days ago

    Why isn’t Konsa getting minutes?

    0
    1. No Professionals
      • 7 Years
      5 months, 11 days ago

      Coming back from injury?

      0
      1. Evasivo
        • 14 Years
        5 months, 11 days ago

        Oh is he?

        0
    2. Evasivo
      • 14 Years
      5 months, 11 days ago

      *not getting minutes

      0
    3. lilmessipran
      • 12 Years
      5 months, 11 days ago

      He was injured before last gw, as close to nailed on as it gets in that Villa backline

      0
      1. Evasivo
        • 14 Years
        5 months, 11 days ago

        Good for this GW then, that’s reassuring

        0
    4. GreennRed
      • 13 Years
      5 months, 11 days ago

      Played well at RB v Bologna. Had a hamstring scare v Man United. Villa will rotate for CL but he can play CB and RB so looks fairly nailed on.

      0
      1. Evasivo
        • 14 Years
        5 months, 11 days ago

        Thanks mate, hope you’re right

        0
        1. GreennRed
          • 13 Years
          5 months, 11 days ago

          I don't pick the Villa team so keep an eye out for updates!

          https://www.newsnow.co.uk/h/Sport/Football/Premier+League/Aston+Villa/Defenders/Ezri+Konsa?type=ln

          0
  5. FantasyTony
    • 7 Years
    5 months, 11 days ago

    Best 4.5 keeper short-mid term is Sels, right?

    0
    1. lilmessipran
      • 12 Years
      5 months, 11 days ago

      Probably yes

      0
    2. Mozumbus
      • 3 Years
      5 months, 11 days ago

      Yes

      0
    3. F4L
      • 10 Years
      5 months, 11 days ago

      for next 5 GWs, yeah

      0
  6. jacob1989
    • 3 Years
    5 months, 11 days ago

    Start Robbo or RAN?

    0
    1. No Professionals
      • 7 Years
      5 months, 11 days ago

      RAN

      0
    2. lilmessipran
      • 12 Years
      5 months, 11 days ago

      Robbo, would have said RAN had Robbo started midweek.

      0
    3. Mozumbus
      • 3 Years
      5 months, 11 days ago

      Robbo

      0
  7. No Professionals
    • 7 Years
    5 months, 11 days ago

    Which do you prefer

    A) Son & Solanke
    B) Foden & Watkins -4

    0
    1. Gazza2000
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      5 months, 11 days ago

      A

      0
    2. F4L
      • 10 Years
      5 months, 11 days ago

      A

      0
    3. lilmessipran
      • 12 Years
      5 months, 11 days ago

      A

      0
  8. F4L
    • 10 Years
    5 months, 11 days ago

    with Ipswich defensive issues, does Davis to Milenkovic make sense? JWP back as well so more accurate set-pieces to supply the big guy

    0
  9. Athletic Nasherbo
    • 8 Years
    5 months, 11 days ago

    Why wouldn’t you buy Brennan Johnson?

    0
    1. F4L
      • 10 Years
      5 months, 11 days ago

      odobert is supposed to be back soon and if johnson's finishing goes awry again his all round play isnt good enough to keep him from being dropped/rotated

      +1
    2. Feanor
      • 15 Years
      5 months, 11 days ago

      Kulu is chaper

      +1
    3. Athletic Nasherbo
      • 8 Years
      5 months, 11 days ago

      Thanks both.

      0
  10. Manani
    • 13 Years
    5 months, 11 days ago

    A. Saka > Son/Foden
    B. Saka + ESR > Mbuemo + Johnson

    0
    1. Manani
      • 13 Years
      5 months, 11 days ago

      or
      C. Saka + Gabriel > Palmer + RAN

      0
      1. Mozumbus
        • 3 Years
        5 months, 11 days ago

        Palmer looks like the apt replacement for Saka. Foden is also a contender, unproven, but can reward those who can take the risk.

        0
    2. lilmessipran
      • 12 Years
      5 months, 11 days ago

      Honestly think Buemo at his price for the next 5 is a must own so B

      0
    3. Tcheco
      • 7 Years
      5 months, 11 days ago

      B is spot on

      0
  11. Tcheco
    • 7 Years
    5 months, 11 days ago

    Foden or Mbuemo?

    0
    1. Mozumbus
      • 3 Years
      5 months, 11 days ago

      F

      0
    2. lilmessipran
      • 12 Years
      5 months, 11 days ago

      Buemo + 1.8

      0
    3. F4L
      • 10 Years
      5 months, 11 days ago

      mbeumo for time being

      0
    4. JoeSoap
      • 11 Years
      5 months, 11 days ago

      Foden could be a nice differential this week if he starts

      0
      1. Mozumbus
        • 3 Years
        5 months, 11 days ago

        What are the chances in your opinion that Foden will start

        0
        1. JoeSoap
          • 11 Years
          5 months, 11 days ago

          Apparently good with other injuries.

          0
    5. Tcheco
      • 7 Years
      5 months, 11 days ago

      Hmm yes it’s a tough one split decision

      0
  12. thepancakeman123
    • 6 Years
    5 months, 11 days ago

    Would you start anyone I've currently got benched?

    Raya
    Trent Konsa Pau
    Palmer Mbeumo Mitoma Rogers
    Haaland Cunha Wissa

    Fabianski Eze Ait Nouri Davis

    0
    1. F4L
      • 10 Years
      5 months, 11 days ago

      no. would want to start eze but can't based on form of the others in your xi this season

      0
  13. F4L
    • 10 Years
    5 months, 11 days ago

    wait jackson isnt even involved in the squad anymore for ecl matches? gw12 Jackson is in, solanke better step it up

    0
    1. jacob1989
      • 3 Years
      5 months, 11 days ago

      Nkunku is their conference league star player

      0
      1. F4L
        • 10 Years
        5 months, 11 days ago

        hopefully it stays that way

        0
  14. x.jim.x
    • 10 Years
    5 months, 11 days ago

    Mazraoui playing in the hole tonight apparently

    0
  15. JoeSoap
    • 11 Years
    5 months, 11 days ago

    A. Diaz/Saka/TAA>Son/Palmer/RAN
    B. Diaz/Saka/Havertz>Son/Palmer/Raul
    C. Other (0.7m & 3 FTs)

    Sels
    Lewis, Gabriel, TAA
    Rogers, Saka, Diaz, Mbeumo
    Haaland, Havertz, Wood
    Valdimarson, Semenyo, Greaves, Mykolenko

    0
    1. Mozumbus
      • 3 Years
      5 months, 11 days ago

      I'll keep Diaz and get Palmer for Saka through TAA

      0
      1. Weasel Boy
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        5 months, 11 days ago

        Why keep Diaz.

        He never starts anymore

        0
        1. Mozumbus
          • 3 Years
          5 months, 11 days ago

          I think he can start against arsenal

          0
          1. Weasel Boy
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 12 Years
            5 months, 11 days ago

            I'd love if he did but he hasn't started the last 3 games so I want rid myself.

            But I think with my luck he'll start and score no doubt.

            0
      2. JoeSoap
        • 11 Years
        5 months, 11 days ago

        Diaz has to go. Too much of a rotational risk

        0
  16. Bobkat
    • 2 Years
    5 months, 11 days ago

    Play Ait-Nouri or Mazraoui?

    0
  17. F4L
    • 10 Years
    5 months, 11 days ago

    all popular Spurs pick rested bar Maddison. Sarr and Bissouma on the bench....

    0
    1. F4L
      • 10 Years
      5 months, 11 days ago

      *although Son isnt in the squad. odobert on bench

      0
  18. Athletic Nasherbo
    • 8 Years
    5 months, 11 days ago

    Really interested to hear what you would do with this team!

    3FT 0ITB

    Pretty set on Saliba > Collins.
    Pretty set on Diaz out next GW, not this.

    Sanchez
    Gabriel Saliba* Porro
    Diaz Jota Mbeumo Gordon
    Haaland(C) Havertz DCL

    Sa Dibling Robinson Munoz

    0
    1. F4L
      • 10 Years
      5 months, 11 days ago

      saliba, jota, gordon ➡ milenkovic, Palmer, rogers

      0
    2. Bobkat
      • 2 Years
      5 months, 11 days ago

      Probably loose Salina, Diaz, Havertz to get in a premium mid

      0
    3. boombaba
      • 12 Years
      5 months, 11 days ago

      Needs Cole

      0
  19. Miguel Sanchez
    • 8 Years
    5 months, 11 days ago

    Jimenez or Wissa? (Have Mbuemo)

    0
    1. David Parkinson
      • 2 Years
      5 months, 11 days ago

      Clearly Wissa this week but longer-term, if there is such a thing, maybe the 0.2 saving gives Raul the edge - might be on pens too.

      0
  20. Harold99
    • 1 Year
    5 months, 11 days ago

    A. Saka > Son
    or
    B. Saka and Havertz > Palmer and Wissa/Raul (-4, Wissa/Raul to play over McNeil)

    0
    1. Bobkat
      • 2 Years
      5 months, 11 days ago

      Prefer B but prob not for a hit as McNeil has an ok home fixture

      0
      1. Harold99
        • 1 Year
        5 months, 11 days ago

        Yeah the hit makes B feel wrong even though I want Palmer much more than Son

        0
    2. F4L
      • 10 Years
      5 months, 11 days ago

      much rather palmer but dont bench mcneil, rogers was given the freedom of the park with no lukic for fulham in midfield. silva could change it up i guess but start mcneil

      0
      1. Harold99
        • 1 Year
        5 months, 11 days ago

        Fair, not sure how to read Fulham as a fixture at the moment as they are the second best defensive team in the league in underlying stats but can be pretty inconsistent week to week.

        0
  21. boombaba
    • 12 Years
    5 months, 11 days ago

    Evening, long term ….

    A.Havertz and Mbuemo
    B.Saka and 6.0m or below striker ?

    0
    1. F4L
      • 10 Years
      5 months, 11 days ago

      A

      0
    2. Bobkat
      • 2 Years
      5 months, 11 days ago

      B is good as Saka is a good route to Palmer, Son, Foden and there’s a few ok strikers at the moment at 6.0 and below but would also really want Mbeumo some how

      0
  22. Supernova
    • 14 Years
    5 months, 11 days ago

    Start Konsa or Gabriel?

    0
  23. Óró Sé…
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    5 months, 11 days ago

    Considering a tripple FT or just roll, would you…

    Havertz, Semenyo, Trent —> Son, Cunha, Alt N

    0
    1. Bobkat
      • 2 Years
      5 months, 11 days ago

      I did Gabriel, Semenyo, Havertz to Ait, Palmer, and gambled on Wissa over Cunha

      0
  24. Legohair
    • 8 Years
    5 months, 11 days ago

    Saka to Foden worth to take hit?or just play TAA/Gabriel instead?

    0
    1. David Parkinson
      • 2 Years
      5 months, 11 days ago

      Start Gabriel regardless.

      0
    2. Royal5
      • 13 Years
      5 months, 11 days ago

      Cosidering selling Gabriel

      0
    3. Tonyawesome69
      • 6 Years
      5 months, 11 days ago

      No to - 4

      0
  25. dharris369
    • 1 Year
    5 months, 11 days ago

    Just bought Keane (EVE), should I be worried that Branthwaite coming back will displace Keane? Last match they were both in the squad (vs. CRY), Branthwaite played 90 and Keane 0.

    0
    1. Ajax Hamsterdam
      • 10 Years
      5 months, 11 days ago

      Kean will be dropped imo but he's only 4m so don't worry too much 🙂

      0
    2. Slot it in
      • 11 Years
      5 months, 11 days ago

      Branthwaite is available this weekend, he plays over Keane when fit

      0
    3. Tonyawesome69
      • 6 Years
      5 months, 11 days ago

      Yup, Branthwaite available for selection and Keane will drop

      0
    4. dharris369
      • 1 Year
      5 months, 11 days ago

      Well $41t!

      0
  26. Tonyawesome69
    • 6 Years
    5 months, 11 days ago

    Maddison owners slightly more worried than before.

    10/11 main starters rotated/rested

    0
  27. Who Ate All Depays?
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    5 months, 11 days ago

    Replacement for Welbeck?
    A) Wissa
    B) Jiminez

    0
    1. Miguel Sanchez
      • 8 Years
      5 months, 11 days ago

      B

      0
    2. Freshy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      5 months, 11 days ago

      Do you have no cover?
      Welbz has been a pretty consistent cheap forward

      0
  28. Iceball
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    5 months, 11 days ago

    Trent or Gabriel to Gvardiol anyone?

    0
    1. Tonyawesome69
      • 6 Years
      5 months, 11 days ago

      Suggest checking if you need more funds for premium attacker later by downgrading defender to 4.5m bracket

      0
  29. Udogie-style
    • 1 Year
    5 months, 11 days ago

    Better to have Mbeumo or Palmer? Already have Salah and Haaland as premiums.

    Cheers.

    0