Robin Van Persie will be assessed prior to Arsenal’s trip to Liverpool. Thomas Vermaelen also has a problem for the Gunners. Wayne Rooney is back for United, though Antonio Valencia remains sidelined. Jonny Howson could be in line for his first game for Norwich, while Jamie O’Hara is willing to play through the pain barrier for Wolves:
Arsene Wenger was full of information for Fantasy managers this morning, though some of it we perhaps didn’t want to hear. The Arsenal boss revealed Robin Van Persie “has a little groin problem we will have to assess”, ahead of the trip to Liverpool tomorrow. Van Persie played the first half for Holland in midweek and was initially considered a doubt for the friendly against England due to the same problem- the fact that he participated will give Fantasy managers confidence of his availability for Anfield, though.
Thomas Vermaelen also has a “problem” that needs to be assessed, according to Wenger. In midfield, Aaron Ramsey has been ruled out, Abou Diaby is available once again, while Thomas Rosicky has a groin problem but is expected to be available, according to his manager. Wenger also revealed Andre Santos is on the mend and is expected back in a fortnight’s time from an ankle injury.
Wayne Rooney is back in the United squad for the trip to White Hart Lane. The forward missed out last weekend in the 2-1 win at Norwich but has now recovered from a throat infection. Antonio Valencia and Tom Cleverley will both miss out, however, while Chris Smalling is a doubt after his clash of heads with Dutch striker Jan Klaas Huntelaar in midweek. Sir Alex Ferguson also revealed Michael Owen is back in training ahead of Sunday’s afternoon showdown.
Jonny Howson could be set for his Norwich debut this weekend. The former Leeds man has finally overcome a knee injury and turned out for the reserves in midweek- Paul Lambert has included him in the squad for tomorrow’s trip to Stoke. Left-back Marc Tierney remains sidelined with a groin problem for the Canaries, Daniel Ayala and James Vaughan have both been ruled out, while Elliot Bennet is fit and available once more.
Nikica Jelavic is in the Everton squad for the visit to QPR tomorrow. The big-money signing from Rangers has played just half an hour since his January move, after picking up a muscle injury. Steven Pienaar, Leon Osman and Jack Rodwell will all be assessed ahead of the Loftus Road showdown, though David Moyes has revealed Darron Gibson has failed to overcome a knee injury and has been ruled out.
Jamie O’Hara has revealed he is still in some discomfort after a recent double hernia operation. The Wolves midfielder has started the last three gameweeks but had been absent for eight matches prior to his return. Installed in the hole behind Kevin Doyle in a 4-5-1 by new boss Terry Connor, O’Hara provided an assist in the 2-2 draw at Newcastle last time round but has admitted he is far from 100% right now:
I’m still trying to get back to full fitness as I’ve been having injections before training and games. I’m just desperate to play and don’t want to miss any more games so I’m fighting with things a little bit. That’s probably why I was brought off after 70 minutes just to protect me a little bit. Hopefully over the next few weeks things will settle down and I’ll be able to play pain-free.
