Team News

FPL Gameweek 3 team news: Injury updates on Pulisic, De Bruyne, Jesus and more

Our weekly press conference summary rounds up the headline injury news and stand-out manager quotes from the pre-match conference calls.

MANCHESTER CITY V LEICESTER CITY

It’s been a busy 24 hours at the Etihad, with a number of injury scares emerging for Manchester City – and there may not be any clarification from Pep Guardiola or elsewhere, with the City boss not giving a standalone Gameweek 3 press conference.

Guardiola instead faced the media straight after his side’s EFL Cup win over Bournemouth, saying enigmatically of Kevin De Bruyne following the Belgian’s blow to the head:

[He] had a little bit distortion. In general, yeah, feels good.

Asked whether any of his previously injured/unavailable players, specifically Aymeric Laporte, will recover for Sunday’s game against Leicester:

I don’t think so. Tomorrow will be more clear, but I don’t think so.

There were further developments today, with Gabriel Jesus reportedly set for a spell on the sidelines – there’s been nothing confirmed from his club yet but the rumours are gathering momentum at the time of writing.

Brendan Rodgers revealed that Jonny Evans is available for selection after suspension and injury but Wilfred Ndidi requires surgery on an abductor issue and will be out for up to 12 weeks.

Ricardo Pereira (knee) is still four to five weeks away, while Cengiz Under won’t be ready for a debut.

WEST BROMWICH ALBION V CHELSEA

Edouard Mendy similarly won’t be between the posts for Chelsea after his midweek move, with Frank Lampard not prepared to throw the goalkeeper straight into action following his late arrival.

The Blues’ boss said:

To start tomorrow is not going to happen. He’s had a long week where he hasn’t really trained, flew in yesterday, and it just feels too tight a turnaround to put him in contention to start the game.

Ben Chilwell and Thiago Silva are in contention after featuring in the EFL Cup in midweek but Hakim Ziyech (knee) and Christian Pulisic (hamstring) remain out despite a return to training.

Lampard said:

Christian [Pulisic] isn’t ready for the squad tomorrow, nor is Hakim Ziyech, but they are both training with us now, which is good news. We hope to have them with us in proper match-contention over the next week or two.

Kieran Gibbs is suspended for the Baggies, while Conor Gallagher is ineligible to face his parent club.

Hal Robson-Kanu (muscle), Kamil Grosicki (back) and Ahmed Hegazi (hamstring) are all injury doubts.

LIVERPOOL V ARSENAL

Joe Gomez (knock) could come into contention for the Monday night game against Arsenal but Jordan Henderson (thigh) and Joel Matip (muscle) look set to miss out.

Jurgen Klopp said:

I think Joe [Gomez] should be back today in training, that’s what everybody told me. Billy the kid [Koumetio] is back in training, Joel [Matip] not. Hendo not yet, that was clear, this game is for sure too early. That’s it, pretty much.”

On whether Thiago Alcantara could feature from the start, Klopp said:

We will see, we will see. We have a few days to train, some boys have to recover from last night. I have an idea but why should I make the decision today when we have time? But he’s in contention, for sure.

Arsenal have yet to release their weekly injury bulletin but Emile Smith Rowe (shoulder), Pablo Mari (ankle), Gabriel Martinelli (knee), Shkodran Mustafi (hamstring) and Calum Chambers (knee) are definitely out.

Speaking of his front three, Mikel Arteta said:

I think the front players need to create a certain chemistry between them and that feeling that when they look at each other in the eyes, they understand each other, they communicate on the pitch to see what they are feeling. I think we are getting that with them at the moment. Not only them, but with Willian as well and the way he’s come in the team straight away. With Pepe, Bukayo – when he’s playing there – and with Reiss.

It’s really important, it’s something we try to promote in training as well. Hopefully they can keep linking and improving those relationships between them.

TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR V NEWCASTLE UNITED

Steve Bruce said that Jamal Lewis (eye) and Allan Saint-Maximin (twisted ankle) are both doubts for Sunday’s clash with Spurs.

Ciaran Clark is expected to miss out with a thigh problem.

Gareth Bale and Sergio Reguilion are unlikely to feature for the hosts.

WEST HAM UNITED V WOLVERHAMPTON WANDERERS

Nuno Espirito Santo disclosed that Wolves have “some knocks” going into Sunday’s match with West Ham, later revealing that Marcal (calf) hadn’t trained after being forced off against Manchester City on Monday.

The summer recruit isn’t expected to make the trip to east London.

Mark Noble has recovered from a toe injury but Issa Diop – and manager Dvid Moyes – will miss out after positive COVID-19 tests.

BRIGHTON AND HOVE ALBION V MANCHESTER UNITED

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer said that Manchester United have no new fitness concerns ahead of Saturday’s trip to Brighton and Hove Albion, with Axel Tuanzebe (foot) and Phil Jones (knee) the only confirmed absentees.

Graham Potter revealed that Tariq Lamptey (knock/groin) has been receiving treatment since being forced off in Gameweek 2 but added that the teenage defender had trained as of Thursday, saying that there would hopefully be “no further problems for him”.

Yves Bissouma is suspended.

CRYSTAL PALACE V EVERTON

Roy Hodgson told the media on Thursday that Crystal Palace have “pretty much” the same squad they had last week, which may mean that Scott Dann is still sidelined with the unspecified issue that kept him out of the win over Manchester United.

Nathan Ferguson (knee), Gary Cahill (hamstring), Connor Wickham (unknown), James Tomkins (thigh) and Patrick van Aanholt (shoulder) are also set to remain unavailable, with their manager revealing that one or two of his injured squad members had joined in training but “not much beyond the warm-up and any non-contact passing work”.

Christian Benteke is back in contention, at least, with the Belgian an option from the bench having recovered from a foot problem and having featured for the under-23s on Monday.

Carlo Ancelotti reported no new fitness problems on Friday, saying:

Fortunately no [new injuries]. We have all the squad fit apart from Holgate and Branthwaite, but the others are all in good condition, fit and available.”

BURNLEY V SOUTHAMPTON

Sean Dyche said that he will consider adding Dale Stephens to the squad for Saturday’s clash with Southampton but that he would be “amazed” if Jay Rodriguez recovers from an ankle injury to feature.

Jack Cork (ankle), Ben Mee (thigh), Johann Berg Gudmundsson (knee) and Robbie Brady (rib) are set to miss Gameweek 3, while Ashley Barnes (groin) featured for the under-23s on Monday and Friday as he slowly builds up match fitness.

James Tarkowski could potentially return, with his manager revealing in Friday’s pre-match press conference that the defender’s toe was still inflamed but adding that, if it settled down, he “has a chance”.

Nathan Redmond (ankle) is Southampton’s only absentee.

FULHAM V ASTON VILLA

We haven’t yet heard from Dean Smith after Aston Villa’s EFL Cup tie on Thursday night, with Bjorn Engels (thigh), Wesley (knee) and Tom Heaton (knee) the only confirmed absentees at the time of writing.

Scott Parker reported a clean bill of health for Fulham, meanwhile:

No, I don’t think so. I think we’re all good. No injuries as such, just the general management of the squad.

SHEFFIELD UNITED V LEEDS UNITED

Chris Wilder confirmed that John Egan (suspension) and Lys Mousset (injury) are ruled out of Sunday’s clash with Leeds United but that “everyone else is available”.

Marcelo Bielsa said that Pablo Hernandez (groin) will miss out for Leeds United this weekend and is two weeks away from a return.


More detailed information and predicted line-ups can be found in the Team News tab, which will be refreshed before the Gameweek 3 deadline at 11:00 BST on Saturday.

Keep an eye on our Twitter feed, too, for any late-breaking updates.

A video round-up with Andy and Neale can be viewed below:

151 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Kimmich
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    On Wildcard.

    A) Barnes - Jimi
    B) Son - Wood

    1. Bartowski
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      If Son gives you Wood I'd go for it.

      1. AndyMurraysMum
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 3 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Nice - enjoyed that.

  2. Pukki Blinders
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Brazil national team have confirmed Jesus’ injury... time to bring in Sterling over KDB

    1. Neevesy
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Maybe, but KDB for the season. He's the most important asset in FPL imo.

      1. Pukki Blinders
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Think Sterling will do better over the next 4 weeks

  3. Scots Gooner
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Is Foden likely to rise tonight?

    1. Zimo
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Don't think so

    2. BeWater
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Keep an eye on fplstatistics. Doesn’t look like he’s going up tonight.

    3. TLF
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      According to Fix he is

    4. Scots Gooner
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Thanks guys. Hope he holds or I'll be .1 short my preferred wildcard

  4. Neevesy
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Final draft (I think)

    Martinez (Steer)

    James - Sais - Castagne (Mitchell - Lamptey)

    Hamez - Mane - Barnes - KDB - Foden

    Werner - Jimi (Brewster)

    Gives the option of downgrading Foden and Castagne to Robbo/TAA and budget mid if needed.

  5. Salah(c)
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Who to captain
    1)werner
    2)sterling
    3)salah

    Who to start
    A)ayling(shu)
    B)mitchell(EVE)

    1. Neevesy
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      I like 2 and B

    2. Whiskerz
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      I'd pick 1 a

    3. Duderino
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      2
      B

  6. Kohort
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Choose one

    1 Foden + Adams
    2 Podence + Wood

    1. BeWater
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Foden and Adams.

      I have Podence and Adams by the way!!

  7. S.Kuqi
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Madness to get Havertz over Son?

    1. Neevesy
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Not madness. I'd probably prefer Son, but defo not madness.

    2. Old Man
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      A very difficult question. Havertz is going to start firing soon ..... but when? (At the moment I have both).

      1. S.Kuqi
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        They way Chelsea have played. Werner drifts left creating space for mids to bomb forward. If Havertz start as 10 he could haul against Wbrom.

  8. Salah(c)
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Greenwood out for who

    1)barnes
    2)foden
    3)mount
    4)other 7.5 or cheaper mid
    5)to 4.5 and get robbo in defence

    1. Livinginapool - Top 100 Any…
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Why Greenwood out?

      1. Salah(c)
        • 3 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Possible price drop and tot che and ars in next 5 , transfer after tomorrows game btw

        1. Zimo
          • 5 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          Don't forget united have one of the best counterattacking team. They do well against big teams.

          1. Livinginapool - Top 100 Any…
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 14 Years
            3 years, 6 months ago

            I agree. Plus, what if Greenwood grabs a brace at the weekend? See how it goes. If you want to remove him, I like Barnes or Foden.

    2. Cheezeweasel
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Zaha

  9. Whiskerz
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Repost, sorry.

    Your opinions on this draft please?

    Martinez . 4.0
    Robbo . Saiss . Lamptey . Mitchell. Fergusson
    Salah . KDB . Zaha . Foden . 4.5
    Werner . DCL . Jimenez

    1. Neevesy
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Similar to mine 3 posts above. Good team.

    2. BeWater
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Every time I trust Zaha he burns me. I personally would downgrade a striker and upgrade Zaha.

      1. Whiskerz
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        The strikers are set for me. Its zaha or barnes and I prefer zaha due to his oop ness and fixtures atm

  10. insertcomedyname
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Bissouma to Podence for -4?

    I could then play Podence instead of Mitchell (move to 3 at the back).

    But loose the 1.5 ITB that could have turned Mitro to DCL or similar.

  11. Cok3y5murf
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Best 4.5m mid?

    1. badgerboy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Burke

    2. You've got red on you.
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Bissouma if you can wait a couple of weeks

    3. Ask Yourself
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Anguissa

    4. TLF
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Burke or Alzate IMO

  12. You've got red on you.
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    On WC

    1.
    TAA and Mitrovic
    or
    Robbo and Foden

    2.
    Sterling or Salah

    1. Ask Yourself
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Robbofo
      Sterlo for next few

  13. Ask Yourself
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    F it I have nailed it then. Lamptey can come in if Vinagre punt fails

    Martínez Steer
    Robbo James Vinagre Lamptey Mitchell
    Sterling KDB Son Foden Anguissa
    Jimmy Ings Wood
    0.4m itb

    1. OverTinker
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      I have similar wildcard below but I feel yours one is better. What do you think? see below

  14. Chief Break-Everything
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    WC

    A) VVD & DCL
    Or
    B) Mitro & TAA

    1. Ask Yourself
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Robbo and Wood

    2. Cheezeweasel
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      A by a country mile

  15. seewhyaxe
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Shucks how i wish Mendy would start rightaway

  16. Bartowski
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Mahrez & Sterling enough to mitigate the lack of KDB?

    1. Every Dog Has Its Day
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      obviously not what ridiculous thinking

      kdb is kdb ffs

    2. Flair
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Not if he plays #10

  17. OverTinker
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Wildcard almost final

    Martinez, Steer
    Saiss, James, Taylor, Lamptey, Mitchell
    Sterling, KDB, Son, Foden, Burke
    DCL, Werner, Jimenez

    0.3 itb
    1. Martinez or Ryan
    2. Son or Havertz

    1. Ask Yourself
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Very similar. I’m playing with havertz over son now. This is tough.

      1. OverTinker
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Yeah thats a headache. Feels like currently go for Son and then move to Havertz or Pulisic but not sure.

        1. Ask Yourself
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          That’s the thing. (wba, CPL, SOU) just looks a lot better than (NEW, mun, WHU) to me though :/ AHHH

          1. OverTinker
            • 5 Years
            3 years, 6 months ago

            Yes one chelsea is a must have and Werner looked dangerous thats why i am going with Werner

    2. Gudjohnsen
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      No LFC is risky

      1. OverTinker
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Will get one of TAA/Robo after Everton or may be both.

  18. Leonard hatred
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Bum. That's frustrating, had brought Jesus in for Werner.

    Now I'm looking at a hit to go back to a player I didn't fancy much. Fpl is a harsh mistress.

    1. Holmes
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Jimenez is your man

      1. Leonard hatred
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        I've got 2 wolves players already, am slightly twitchy about triple wolves

    2. Leonard hatred
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Wonder if they really will start delap now. Not seen him yet - Where does he play?

    3. Zimo
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Get Ings. Everyone is forgetting him just becasue Southampton defence isn't doing well. He still scored 2 goals and is on penalties now. Scored 22 without them last season

  19. batman_sux
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    on wc, any thoughts?

    Martinez (Steer)
    Holding Long Mitchell Justin Saiss
    KDB Salah Rodriguez Zaha Jorginho
    Kane Jimenez Mitro
    0.7 itb
    maybe switch Mitro for woods
    holding for Lamptey?
    Sterling for KDB as he might be playing deeper in midfield with Gundo out

    1. Cheezeweasel
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      If you're on WC consider switching Mitchell and Justin for players who will def keep their spot

      1. batman_sux
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Like who?
        They seemed nailed to me for a few months

  20. RamboRN
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Thoughts on my wildcard please?

    Martinez
    TAA saiss dunne
    Salah kdb jrod son podence
    Werner dcl

    Subs. Steer, Mitchell, Bernado, brewster

    1. Sgt Frank Drebin
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Don't know who is Dunne but otherwise looks very good.

  21. Chung8
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Kane or Werner?

    1. batman_sux
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Kane
      Werner seems like a bust to me.
      Plus Kane on pens

  22. TMERC187
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Thoughts on the Everton vs Palace fixture? The first real test for a much improved Everton squad against in form Palace...

    Which fixture are you looking forward to this GW and why?

    1. Holmes
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Probably 1-0 for either side

      I'm interested in Leicester Vs Man City game. Will probably add players from them in upcoming weeks.

    2. Weasel Boy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      tight.
      If Palace really do have form could see them winning.

      Could go either way though.

  23. Weasel Boy
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    G2G?

    Martinez Forster
    Robbo Saiss James Taylor Mitchell
    Salah Son KDB Podence Anguissa
    DCL Werner Wood.

    Thanks

    1. Weasel Boy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      G2G

      100+ points.

      Yeah right!!

  24. royals forever
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    What should I do this GW

    Sell Egan
    Sell Davies
    Sell Both for -4

    Any ideas would be welcomed

    1. Dynamic Duos
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Why sell Davies?

    2. Dynamic Duos
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      I sold Egan for James

  25. Pukkipartyy
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    KDB played allmost false 9 last game without Gundo...

    1. Pukkipartyy
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Fail reply

  26. Dynamic Duos
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Starting Davies over Podence, can't bench him at home v Newcastle

    1. antis0cial
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Pode vs West Ham and looked great last game. I’d go for the attacking asset

  27. Gudjohnsen
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Madness goingt without TAA on WC?

    1. Dynamic Duos
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      You need one of TAA or Robbo

    2. antis0cial
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      It’s risky but Trent hasn’t been firing... yet!

    3. Toblerone52 - Zlatan Ibra-H…
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      I'm considering double up of VVD and Robbo. Not madness imo

    4. Neevesy
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Nope, I'm considering. At least with a plan to get them (Robbo or TAA) back in if needed.

  28. Royal5
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    People starting Justin? Could get attacking returns

    1. Toblerone52 - Zlatan Ibra-H…
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Hell no, 0 pointer very likely I'd say

      1. Royal5
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Maybe right. Mitchell then?

  29. antis0cial
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    I was hoping to wait to do Martial to Jime till next week as it would be a -4 this week and Man U play Brighton

    Chances of
    A) martial falling tonight
    B) Jime rising Tonight

    Could be a .2 value swing.

    1. I Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      I would ignore the price changes. Surely have to give Martial another game at least.

  30. Toblerone52 - Zlatan Ibra-H…
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Last WC problem is double pool defence or not.

    Double would be VVD and Robbo with Saiss and 2 4m defenders.

    Or can upgrade to Trent and rotate Lamptey/Taylor with a bit of spare cash.

    Reckon the double up is the way to go?

    1. antis0cial
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      I think 1 is enough for now

      1. Toblerone52 - Zlatan Ibra-H…
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Fair, next 5 look decent for cleans but I'm worried about the weak bench players more than anything