Theo Walcott is likely to miss Arsenal’s clash with Palace. Sunderland stopper Jordan Pickford is out for six-to-eight weeks with a knee problem, while Philippe Coutinho remains unavailable as Liverpool entertain Man City.
Here’s the latest team news ahead of tonight’s Gameweek 19 deadline.
Arsene Wenger has conceded that he doesn’t expect Theo Walcott to recover from a calf complaint in time for Arsenal’s clash with Palace. Kieran Gibbs is also likely to miss out, though Danny Welbeck and Shkodran Mustafi are both back in contention. The Gunners boss also admitted that he has “one or two uncertainties with flu”, though failed to elaborate.
Liverpool pair Philippe Coutinho and Joel Matip remain sidelined for the New Year’s Eve clash with Man City, with Jurgen Klopp conceding he’s “pretty sure” the Brazilian will also miss the Gameweek 20 clash against Sunderland two days’ later.
Jordan Pickford has been ruled out for six-to-eight weeks after straining knee ligaments in Sunderland’s loss at Old Trafford. David Moyes has confirmed that Jack Rodwell, Javier Manquillo and Steven Pienaar have resumed light training – all three are unlikely to start, though have a chance of making the bench.
Claudio Ranieri is hopeful that Danny Drinkwater will be fit enough to start at home to West Ham. The Leicester boss also hinted at a first-team return for Riyad Mahrez after utilising the Algerian as a sub against Everton last time out.
Nathan Redmond serves a one-match suspension as Southampton take on West Brom. Claude Puel will assess the fitness levels of his players as they prepare for the second of three matches over a five-day stretch.
Swansea’s Jefferson Montero is expected to be sidelined for up to a month with the hamstring injury that forced him off against West Ham.
Watford pair Daryl Janmaat and Valon Behrami could be out for up to three weeks with the knocks that forced them off against Palace on Boxing Day.
Maarten Stekelenburg and James McCarthy are both still ruled out through injury, while Bryan Oviedo joins them on the sidelines as Everton make their way to Hull in the first match of Gameweek 19 this evening.
Jeff Hendrick is suspended for Burnley’s clash with Sunderland, while fellow midfielder Dean Marney will be assessed after picking up a knock.
Hull’s Abel Hernandez is back in training following a hernia operation but remains around two weeks away from a return.
Viktor Fischer is Middlesbrough’s only injury absentee for the trip to Old Trafford, while Antonio Barragan is set to serve a one-match suspension.
Manuel Lanzini is back in training but remains a slight for West Ham due to a rib injury. Pedro Obiang is available after serving a one-match suspension, though James Collins remains sidelined, with Slaven Bilic expecting the Welshman back next week.
Mark Hughes has revealed that Phil Bardsley has returned to training and could be rushed back into action due to a lack of defensive options for Stoke’s trip to the Bridge. Marc Muniesa and Geoff Cameron remain sidelined through injury.
Marc Pugh and Lewis Cook are Bournemouth’s only absentees for the trip to Swansea, Eddie Howe has confirmed.
All this and more has now been updated in the Team News section ahead of this evening’s 7pm deadline. Keep an eye on our official Twitter Stream for breaking news – as the day unfolds, we will issue updates from Friday’s press conferences and refresh our Team News tab accordingly to keep you informed.
