FPL Gameweek 26 team news: Friday’s live injury updates

There’s a lot of Gameweek 26 team news to come on Friday as 15 Premier League managers face the media.

As ever, we’ll bring you the key Fantasy Premier League (FPL) injury updates on this page.

This is a ‘live’ article, so it’ll be updated as and when manager quotes become available – so keep refreshing for the latest news.

For the headlines from the five press conferences held already, read our Thursday round-up here.

GAMEWEEK 26: FRIDAY’S KEY TEAM NEWS UPDATES

• Manchester City: Pep unsure about Haaland, Stones joins the injury list
• Arsenal: No new concerns, long-term absentees still out, White ready
• Bournemouth: Soler back from international duty, Hill could return
• Newcastle United: Botman set to miss out again, Joelinton latest
• Tottenham Hotspur: Son, Danso + Bentancur recover from knocks
• Chelsea: Madueke joins the injury list, most others returning in April
• Aston Villa: Konsa + Bailey poised to return, too soon for Barkley, Disasi ineligible
• Manchester United: Yoro, Eriksen + Ugarte to return, nine others still out
• Brighton and Hove Albion: Estupinan + March available, Dunk still doubtful
• Nottingham Forest: Awoniyi cleared to play, Miguel still out
• Fulham: Lukic fit, Nelson could be out for the season
• Wolverhampton Wanderers: Agbadou + Rodrigo Gomes out, Strand Larsen returns
• Crystal Palace: Eze ready to start, no new worries
• Everton: Doucoure back from ban, no change to the injury situation
• Ipswich Town: Enciso out, Davis among three passed fit, Chaplin close

GAMEWEEK 26: FRIDAY’S PRESS CONFERENCE TIMES

🚨 Friday's FPL Press Conferences ⏰

🕊️ 9am – Hurzeler
⚫️ 9.30am – Howe
🧿 10am – Maresca
🔵 12.30pm – Guardiola
⭕️ 1pm – Arteta
🍒 1pm – Iraola
🦅 1.30pm – Glasner
⬜️ 1.30pm – Silva
🚜 1.30pm – McKenna
🌳 1.30pm – Nuno
👹 1.30pm – Amorim
🍬 1.30pm – Moyes
🐔 1.30pm -… pic.twitter.com/45V68Zf36A

— Fantasy Football Scout (@FFScout) February 21, 2025

MANCHESTER CITY

John Stones (quad) has rejoined the Man City injury list after limping out of the midweek loss to Real Madrid. The defender may need surgery, too.

“He’s injured. It is a difficult one. [In the] next hours or days we will know if he needs surgery or not.

“Yeah [it’s a longer period out], like Manu Akanji.” – Pep Guardiola on John Stones

Erling Haaland, who was in discomfort with his knee in the closing stages of last Saturday’s win over Newcastle United, made the squad in Madrid but remained an unused substitute. He had told his manager that he was “not ready” ahead of that Champions League tie.

As for the Norwegian’s chances of recovering to face Liverpool, they remain in the balance.

“I don’t know yet. Tomorrow will know it, I don’t know yet.

“Yeah maybe [there is hope he will be fit], but I don’t know yet. We didn’t train today. Until tomorrow he will test, I guess, but I don’t know.

“It is better to have Erling on the pitch than to not have him, obviously. But with Erling, we’re in the position that we’re in right now. So, everybody is responsible for the good things and the bad things for the team. But of course with Erling we’re stronger.” – Pep Guardiola on Erling Haaland

Rodri (knee) and Manuel Akanji (groin) will be out for some time yet, while a minor ankle issue has delayed the return of Oscar Bobb (leg/ankle) after six months out.

BOURNEMOUTH

The Cherries are slowly getting bodies back after a horrendous run of injuries.

James Hill (hamstring) could the next player back this weekend after returning to training, while Julio Soler should also be available after the South American U-20 Championship came to a close.

“I think we will recover Julio, who has come from the national team. It’s true that he arrived yesterday at night and probably he is still not 100% but he is an option.

“Also Hilly has been training with us this week and we’ll see if he can make the squad. If not, it’s good news because he will be available for the next games.” – Andoni Iraola

Evanilson (foot), Adam Smith (muscle), Enes Unal (knee), Julian Araujo (hamstring) and Marcos Senesi (quad) remain on the sidelines for the Cherries.

Alex Scott and Luis Sinisterra returned to the matchday squad against Southampton but Andoni Iraola suggested they’re not in starting XI contention just yet.

“Now I think they need to build the form. When you’ve been out from the team, from the competition, one thing is, ‘Okay I have my injury more or less under control but I need to get the shape of the others that have been playing in a very challenging level for a lot of time’. But I hope it’s a matter of time.” – Andoni Iraola on Luis Sinisterra and Alex Scott

ARSENAL

The team news is pretty much the same for the Gunners.

“No real news, to be fair. The ones that are long term remain not available and the rest… no other news.” – Mikel Arteta

The attacking quartet of Gabriel Jesus (knee), Bukayo Saka (hamstring), Gabriel Martinelli (hamstring) and Kai Havertz (hamstring) remain out this weekend.

Jesus and Havertz are sidelined for the season, while the latest suggestion is that Mikel Arteta hopes to have Saka and Martinelli back after the March international break.

In defence, Takehiro Tomiyasu (knee) has been ruled out for the rest of the season and beyond. The Japan international had further corrective surgery this week, with his rehab “expected to be completed towards the end of this year”.

Ben White returned to the squad after a long lay-off last weekend but remained an unused substitute.

“He’s ready to play, whether to start or not is a decision we will make tomorrow. But he’s certainly available now to be part of the group.” – Mikel Arteta on Ben White

NEWCASTLE UNITED

Sven Botman (knee) looks set to miss out again this weekend, with assessment to come on whether he feature in Gameweek 27.

“Don’t think he’ll be fit and available for this weekend. We’re going to have to see how things stand over the weekend for next week, that’s bar a remarkable recovery for this weekend. He’s making good progress but just not as quickly as we wanted him to.

“He’s very much on track, just not quite ready.” – Eddie Howe on Sven Botman

Eddie Howe meanwhile gave the latest on Joelinton (knee), who is due to return in March.

“Doing really well, pushing as Joe always does. We just need to make sure we introduce him at the right time.” – Eddie Howe on Joelinton

Jamaal Lascelles (knee) remains out but Newcastle don’t have any fresh worries.

“Not that I can think of.” – Eddie Howe when asked if there were any other concerns

“He’s been on the grass, he’s been training individually with the physios. It hasn’t got beyond that stage yet but I think he’s in a pretty good place. We’re probably looking towards the end of the season as a return date for him.” – Eddie Howe on Jamaal Lascelles

Howe was also asked about his goalkeeping dilemma, with Nick Pope back fit over the last few weeks.

“Nick’s just been getting his feel back, I think goalkeeping is such a unique position, getting your rhythm back as a goalkeeper. Got good game minutes against Birmingham which has been great for him, I thought he performed well. The battle is just trying to see both players at their best levels, then of course it’s my job to pick one.” – Eddie Howe on his goalkeeping dilemma

TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR

Kevin Danso, Son Heung-min and Rodrigo Bentancur have all recovered from knocks they sustained in Gameweek 25.

“No new concerns, from last week everyone has got through okay. The three guys who picked up knocks last week are all good. Again, having a full week to recover and prepare is good.” – Ange Postecoglou

Radu Dragusin (knee) is out for the season, while Saturday will come too soon for Micky van de Ven (hamstring), Dominic Solanke (knee), Cristian Romero (hamstring) and Richarlison (calf).

“[The Europa League last-16, first leg tie on March 6] is about the time that we’re hoping Romero and Micky in particular should be in and around that mark. Richy and Dom not too far behind.” – Ange Postecoglou

Timo Werner (hamstring) should be the next Lilywhite to return, as he was “getting pretty close to being available” as of last Friday.

CHELSEA

Noni Madueke joined the injury list last Friday with a hamstring issue that will rule him out until after the March international break.

Romeo Lavia (muscle), Marc Guiu (hamstring), Wesley Fofana (hamstring), Benoit Badiashile (muscle) and Nicolas Jackson (hamstring) remain sidelined, too.

Mykhailo Mudryk is still provisionally banned by the Football Association.

“Fortunately we don’t have any updates. The ones that we have injured are the same, we don’t have any more additional injuries.

“Noni probably will be out until the international break.

“The rest: Nico out, Wes out, Benoit out, Romeo out, Marc Guiu out.

“Probably after the international break, we can have back most of the injuries. Almost all of them or all of them.” – Enzo Maresca

ASTON VILLA

Ezri Konsa (muscle) and Leon Bailey (calf) will be involved this weekend if they get through training on Friday.

Matty Cash (muscle) returned to the matchday squad in midweek.

The visit of Chelsea comes too soon for Ross Barkley (calf), however, while Boubacar Kamara (hamstring), Pau Torres (foot), and Amadou Onana (unknown) are also still out.

One other Villan will definitely miss out in Gameweek 26: loanee Axel Disasi is ineligible to face his parent club.

MANCHESTER UNITED

Leny Yoro and Christian Eriksen return from illness this weekend, while Manuel Ugarte is back from a minor injury that kept him out of Gameweek 25.

“Yes [it’s been a better week] because we didn’t lose players. We recovered players. Chris, Manu and Leny return.” – Rubem Amorim

Everyone else who was injured looks set to miss out again, however.

Amad Diallo (ankle) and Lisandro Martinez (knee) are long-term absentees, while Kobbie Mainoo (calf) was previously ruled out for “weeks”.

Jonny Evans (back) and Mason Mount (hamstring) also haven’t been seen since December. Luke Shaw (hamstring) had been on the cusp of a return before yet another setback.

Toby Collyer (unknown) missed the defeat to Tottenham Hotspur and remains unavailable, as do goalkeepers Altay Bayindir and Tom Heaton.

“It’s hard to know [when the others will return]. Amad is for a long time. I think Mase [Mount] continues to make his recovery. Luke [Shaw] continues to make his recovery. I don’t have a day [for their returns].

“Toby [Collyer] seems to be the closest one but not now. Kobbie [Mainoo] is recovering. I don’t know. We have to adapt to use the players we have for the schedule.

“Altay [Bayindir] is making a recovery, Tom [Heaton] is making a recovery. Again, we don’t have a day, but they are recovering.” – Ruben Amorim

BRIGHTON AND HOVE ALBION

Solly March (muscle) and Pervis Estupinan (muscle) are back available for the Seagulls after returns to training.

Lewis Dunk remains doubtful, however, having been sidelined with an injury in the FA Cup two weeks ago.

James Milner (hamstring), Ferdi Kadioglu (toe), Igor Julio (hamstring) and Jason Steele (shoulder) are on the longer-term injury list.

NOTTINGHAM FOREST

Carlos Miguel (hamstring) remains out but Taiwo Awoniyi (nose/concussion) is clear to play this weekend.

“He is clear on his concussion protocols so he is available. He will have to wear a mask, but he is OK.

“The mask is always something that bothers [players] but he is trying to get used to it. Neco is using one also, but I think he will be OK.” – Nuno Espirito Santo on Taiwo Awoniyi

FULHAM

Reiss Nelson (hamstring), Kenny Tete (knee) and Harry Wilson (foot) remain on the Fulham injury list. Wilson and Tete aren’t expected back before April, while Marco Silva revealed on Friday that Nelson may be out for the season.

Sasa Lukic was a concern after hobbling off against Nottingham Forest last weekend but has been passed fit.

The Cottagers don’t have any new concerns.

“No fresh injuries and hopefully till tomorrow nothing new as well. Still the same, Sasa is going to be ready to be in contention to play the game. The same three are out.

“[Nelson] could be out until the end of the season.” – Marco Silva

WOLVERHAMPTON WANDERERS

Jorgen Strand Larsen (muscle) will be back against Bournemouth having returned to training last weekend.

Sam Johnstone has also made a swift return after missing out in Gameweek 25.

Rodrigo Gomes and Emmanuel Agbadou are ruled out, however.

“[Agbadou] will be out for some games, I believe. This is the information I got.

“Rodrigo out. [Johnstone] in.

“[Strand Larsen] started with the team, he’s trying to come back with his condition, physically, tactically and technically. But he’s ready to help the team.” – Vitor Pereira

Hwang Hee-chan (hamstring), Sasa Kalajdzic (knee), Yerson Mosquera (knee), Leon Chiwome (knee) and Enso Gonzalez (knee) remain sidelined.

CRYSTAL PALACE

The Palace team news is the same as it was in Gameweek 25.

“The same as last week. All players are fit, everyone trained the whole week. Yeah, good.” – Oliver Glasner

Chadi Riad and Cheick Doucoure are out for the season with knee injuries.

Joel Ward‘s availability is unknown, meanwhile: he has been sidelined since late 2024 with an unspecified issue. 

Eberechi Eze could return to the starting XI, having only been a substitute in Gameweek 25 because of a niggly foot injury.

“It was a good week for [Eze] personally, and he’s getting better and better with his foot. I think he’s ready to start.” – Oliver Glasner

EVERTON

The Everton injury news looks to have remained unchanged from Gameweek 25.

“No, I don’t think we have any additional injuries and I don’t think we have anybody coming back from injury quite at this moment.” – David Moyes

Armando Broja (ankle), Iliman Ndiaye (knee), Seamus Coleman (calf), Dwight McNeil (knee), Dominic Calvert-Lewin (hamstring), Nathan Patterson (hamstring) and Orel Mangala (knee) are all on the injury list ahead of Gameweek 25.

Youssef Chermiti (thigh) was back on the grass at the end of January with a view to playing within 3-4 weeks, so he might be the first one to return – even if it’s not this weekend.

Abdoulaye Doucoure is back from suspension, at least.

IPSWICH TOWN

Wes Burns (knee), Chiedozie Ogbene (Achilles) and Christian Walton (groin) are all on the medium-to-long-term injury list.

Julio Enciso (knee) will also be unavailable but scans have shown that the loanee has suffered no serious damage.

Axel Tuanzebe will miss the visit of Tottenham Hotspur through suspension, too.

The team news is otherwise positive, however.

Leif Davis (unknown), Sam Morsy (abdominal) and Sammie Szmodics (ankle) are available after missing out in Gameweek 25.

Conor Chaplin (knee) has also returned to training this week. Kieran McKenna will assess him to see if he too could be involved.

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