The headline team news ahead of Gameweek 16 arguably came from Jurgen Klopp’s press conference, with the Liverpool boss confirming that Andrew Robertson (dead leg) was fit to feature – while also stating that Sadio Mane (foot injury) was unlikely to be involved at Bournemouth on Saturday.
Klopp said:
Sadio is now out [on the training pitch] and tries to run for the first time, so it doesn’t sound like he will be ready for tomorrow.
Andy Robertson is fine. Robbo pretty much played most of the games in a very intense position so that’s why decided to give him eight hours off (versus Burnley).
Joe Gomez (leg fracture) looks set to be out for the rest of the year and, with Dejan Lovren (concussion) also unavailable this weekend, Trent-Alexander Arnold and Virgil van Dijk‘s owners can be confident of their defensive assets starting on the south coast.
Klopp discussed Alexander-Arnold and van Dijk’s workloads over the coming weeks, which could increase with Gomez out.
The Liverpool boss said about Alexander-Arnold:
I have a plan [for the right-back role]. We will see what we will do, but we have still other options, of course. A lot of players who can play that position.
On van Dijk, Klopp added:
It’s not the same intensity [playing at centre-back] but of course it’s not cool. But now especially with Joe out, Dejan not available, we don’t have to think too much about that.
Elsewhere, the typically taciturn Pep Guardiola at least confirmed that Sergio Aguero and Kevin De Bruyne would be unavailable for the trip to Chelsea, adding that both players will be “back soon”.
Maurizio Sarri has a fully fit squad for that encounter but did offer up some interesting quotes on Marcos Alonso, who has been struggling for form – if not FPL returns – lately.
When asked if Alonso was tired, the Chelsea boss said:
He played in all 14 [sic] matches in the Premier League but he didn’t play in the Europa League, he didn’t play in the cup. For me he is not tired. I want to see the last training and then I will decide.
Emerson is a good option. I have to consider some details. For example, without Alonso, we could have problems at set pieces.
Jose Mourinho will use Friday’s training session to assess Anthony Martial (hamstring), meanwhile, along with three defenders who are carrying knocks/muscle fatigue: Chris Smalling, Phil Jones and Eric Bailly.
Kieran Trippier (groin) and Juan Foyth (hamstring) have been added to Spurs’ lengthy injury list, with their opponents this weekend, Leicester City, set to be without Jamie Vardy (muscle).
Harry Maguire and Jonny Evans at least return from injury to bolster the Foxes’ backline.
Rob Holding (knee) has been ruled out for the rest of the season with a ruptured ACL, which may force a rethink of Unai Emery’s 3-4-2-1 formation.
Mesut Ozil (back), Nacho Monreal (hamstring) and Aaron Ramsey (ankle) are also doubts for Gameweek 16.
Jonny remain the only injury-related absentee for Wolves, who welcome Ruben Neves back from suspension.
Marco Silva, Claudio Ranieri and Roy Hodgson reported no new injuries in their press conferences, too, while Javi Gracia “thinks” all of his players will be available.
Marko Arnautovic (hamstring) is unlikely to feature again in 2018, with West Ham also without Jack Wilshere (ankle) for the visit of Crystal Palace.
Paul Dummett (hamstring) could make a comeback for Newcastle after returning to training, while Matt Ritchie is back from suspension.
Neil Warnock all but confirmed that Callum Paterson would start up front again, adding that Victor Camarasa is now his first-choice penalty-taker.
Cardiff are this weekend up against Southampton, who will have Ralph Hasenhuttl in charge for the first time.
The new Saints boss didn’t provide any injury updates but said his formation of choice was a high-pressing 4-2-2-2.
Bournemouth have problems in central midfield with Lewis Cook (ACL) out for the rest of the season and Dan Gosling (knee) also ruled out.
Glenn Murray (shoulder) and Jose Izquierdo (knock) will be assessed ahead of Brighton’s trip to Burnley, who will also make a late call on Steven Defour (knock).
Huddersfield will be without the suspended Steve Mounie and Philip Billing but Chris Lowe (shoulder) has returned to training and could feature against Arsenal.
As usual our Team News tab has more detailed information on all the latest injuries and bans, and also contains our predicted line-ups for all 20 Premier League sides.
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5 years, 4 months agoSadio was so good at the beginning of the season.......