After a dozen Premier League managers faced the media on Tuesday, another three more press conferences took place on Wednesday, ahead of Gameweek 18.
- READ MORE: Will we get FPL team news over Christmas?
We should hear from the remaining five bosses in some form – be it a live press conference, a one-on-one interview or embargoed quotes from midweek – before the Boxing Day deadline.
KEY GAMEWEEK 18 INJURY NEWS FROM WEDNESDAY
- Manchester United: Fernandes and Mainoo out, with the latter expected back first
- Chelsea: Estevao and Delap available, Palmer ready to play 90 mins
- Sunderland: Six players at AFCON, no new injuries, O’Nien still suspended
MANCHESTER UNITED
3.86 million Bruno Fernandes (hamstring) owners won’t have enjoyed seeing him depart Gameweek 17 at half-time.
- READ MORE: Best Fernandes replacements in FPL
Lots have already sold the Portuguese playmaker and more will follow, because Ruben Amorim still isn’t saying how long it’ll be until his return – not the Boxing Day hosting of Newcastle United, though.
“Not for this game. They are recovering and it won’t take a lot of time. Kobbie [Mainoo] is going to return faster than Bruno [Fernandes] but not for this game. I don’t want to say (on Bruno). I have an idea, of course, but let’s see.” – Ruben Amorim
Staying on the sidelines with him and Kobbie Mainoo (calf) are Matthijs de Ligt (back) and Harry Maguire (hamstring). At least Casemiro isn’t banned anymore, though.
“We are still working with them. They are not available for this one, let’s see for the next one.” – Ruben Amorim on Matthijs de Ligt and Harry Maguire
Meanwhile, Bryan Mbeumo, Amad Diallo and Noussair Mazraoui are on international duty.
CHELSEA
Having missed the draw at Newcastle United, Estevao (muscle) and Liam Delap (shoulder) are available to face Aston Villa.
“He’s [Estevao] back. He’s back, he’s available for Saturday, him and also Liam Delap.” – Enzo Maresca
Blues boss Enzo Maresca also believes Cole Palmer is ready to last a whole match, having seen his recovery carefully managed.
“I think he’s ready for 90 minutes, yeah. The progression for a player is 45, one hour, 70. He already played one hour against, I think, Everton. He played more than 70 against Newcastle. I think the progression is there.” – Enzo Maresca on Cole Palmer
Still out are Dario Essugo (thigh), Romeo Lavia (quad), Levi Colwill (knee) and Mykhailo Mudryk (suspended).
SUNDERLAND
Habib Diarra joins Bertrand Traore, Noah Sadiki, Arthur Masuaku, Chemsdine Talbi and Reinildo Mandava at the Africa Cup of Nations.
Defender Luke O’Nien is serving the final match of his suspension, with Aji Alese (shoulder) also absent for the match against Leeds United.
Regis Le Bris has no fresh concerns for the clash with the Whites, however.
