Team News

FPL Gameweek 5 team news: injury updates on De Bruyne, Chilwell, Vardy 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 Arsenal

Kevin De Bruyne (muscle) will miss the visit of Arsenal this weekend and could be out for a little while longer, with boss Pep Guardiola saying of the Belgian:

I don’t think it’s much but next games I think will be out. But we will see, day by day, how he is going on. I don’t know [how long], I cannot answer this question because I don’t know.

The Telegraph report that De Bruyne may be out for two weeks.

There was no mention of Raheem Sterling (hamstring) in the broadcast section of Guardiola’s conference call, although the City boss did say that De Bruyne was the only player returning from international duty with an injury.

Guardiola also offered updates on Gabriel Jesus (leg) and Sergio Aguero (knee), with the latter a possibility to return this weekend:

[Aguero is] training well, I’m very happy. Trained the last three or four days. Happy to see him back on the pitch.

[Gabriel] has an injury in the front part of his leg where if he reinjures, we will lose him for a long, long time. I don’t know [if he’ll be back for the Champions League].

Arsenal have yet to issue their weekly medical bulletin following Mikel Arteta’s presser on Thursday.

The Gunners’ head coach was asked about whether Kieran Tierney could play this weekend, despite fears that he would have to self-isolate for 14 days:

I hope so. We are still having some discussions with the authorities and hopefully we will know more this afternoon.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang had pulled out of the Gabon squad with an ankle injury but the withdrawal was a precautionary one and he has since been spotted on the training ground.

Everton v Liverpool

Lucas Digne and Yerry Mina look to be injury-free despite having been fitness concerns while on international duty.

Carlo Ancelotti reported a clean bill of health but did warn that tiredness could factor into his thinking this weekend:

No [injury] news, I think all the players are available. It’s true that they travelled, they played, but they came back in good condition and they are all available for tomorrow.

Maybe they are a little bit tired so this could be a consideration when choosing the line-up and also to see what happens during the game.

Sadio Mane and Thiago Alcantara (both COVID-19) have been back in training this week and they, along with Joel Matip, are in contention for the Merseyside derby.

Leicester City v Aston Villa

Leicester have a number of injury headaches ahead of Gameweek 5, with Cağlar Söyüncü (abductor) joining Daniel Amartey (hamstring), Wilfred Ndidi (adductor) and Ricardo Pereira (ACL) on the sidelines.

Jamie Vardy (calf), Jonny Evans (abdominal) and Dennis Praet (knee) will be assessed too, although James Maddison (hip) is in contention to feature.

Brendan Rodgers said:

We think that Çağs will most definitely be out with an abductor strain, so we’re waiting on the scan on that. We think that he is definitely out for a number of weeks, but until we get the final scans, that will determine the length of time.

We’ll see how Wes Morgan is also and then we’ll assess it over the next 24 hours. Wes has had some issues with his lower back, but we’re hoping, if he’s required, he’ll be available to play.

Jonny has come back with abdominal pain, so again, we’ll review that. We’re hopeful that Jonny will be okay and that would obviously be a great bonus for the team.

Vards has an issue around his calf, so we’re awaiting a scan on that. Dennis Praet, obviously, has gone away and done some work with Belgium, so we’ll see how he is, but he’ll be a doubt.

On the flip side, Dean Smith hasn’t reported any fresh injury concerns for Aston Villa.

Tottenham Hotspur v West Ham United

Most of Spurs’ returning international contingent have come back unscathed but Eric Dier has a hamstring injury that, according to his manager, could “maybe but not definitely” rule him out this weekend.

Giovani Lo Celso (thigh) and Japhet Tanganga (unspecified) will miss out but Gareth Bale (fitness) could feature for the first time since his move from Real Madrid, with Jose Mourinho saying:

It’s a physical thing. He didn’t have any pre-season and even in the period after the lockdown, he didn’t participate in much with Real Madrid.

Then he plays a couple of matches with Wales and he had an injury there. So it’s not just about coming and needing a week of work to be at the level. It’s more global than that. We don’t want him to be rushed. We want him to feel comfortable, we want him to make the decision of ‘yes I’m ready, yes I’m ready to go’.

It’s more about that… but he’s working so well. It’s just evolution in everything, in every data and in every aspect of his condition. He’s there, he’s there. Probably he plays Sunday, if he doesn’t he will on Thursday, but he’s there, he’s very, very close.

The Spurs head coach later confirmed, in less-than-shocking news, that Harry Kane would start against the Hammers.

The broadcast section of David Moyes’ pre-match presser was ludicrously short but the West Ham boss was later quoted as saying:

Ryan Fredericks is back in training, Issa Diop is back in training. We’ve got everyone back fit now. 

We’ll check the boys who have come back from international duty, a few have come back from a bit further afield, so we’ll just check that they’re all fine over the next few days, but we’re in a good place at the moment.

Arthur Masuaku had pulled out of the DR Congo squad but his withdrawal was said to be precautionary.

Newcastle United v Manchester United

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer reported that Harry Maguire picked up a knock during England’s game against Denmark on Wednesday and will be assessed before the match against Newcastle this weekend.

Edinson Cavani (quarantine) and Anthony Martial (suspended) will definitely miss out.

Speaking of the availability of Maguire and his new signings:

[Maguire] picked up a knock just before he came off, so I’m hopeful that he will be fit. We had a look at him yesterday and will give him a test today.

Alex [Telles] came in yesterday, did his recovery after a long, long flight from Sao Paulo, having come on twice for Brazil. We’re looking forward to integrating him.

Edinson has still not been with the group because of his quarantine.

Allan Saint-Maximin, Jamaal Lascelles and Jamal Lewis are both expected to be available for the Magpies, while Ciaran Clark, Matty Longstaff and Paul Dummett will build up their match fitness with run-outs for the under-23s.

Chelsea v Southampton

Edouard Mendy (thigh) and Thiago Silva (fatigue) will not feature in Gameweek 5 but Frank Lampard reported good news elsewhere ahead of the visit of Southampton:

Mendy won’t be fit for the match tomorrow, we hope the injury is not too long. Thiago Silva after his trip [to Brazil] and back, he’s not unfit but he’s not ready to play the game. So he won’t be in the squad.

Ben Chilwell is in the squad. Christian Pulisic is in the squad and fit to play. Hakim Ziyech is in the squad, not fit to start but fit to participate some minutes, we hope.

Ralph Hasenhüttl will be without Stuart Armstrong (illness) and Moussa Djenepo (hamstring) for Southampton’s trip to Chelsea on Saturday.

Armstrong has been self-isolating since testing positive for COVID-19 on international duty with Scotland, while Djenepo picked up a hamstring problem in the 2-0 win over West Brom in Gameweek 4.

Hasenhuttl said of Armstrong:

I do not think that he will be an option for the weekend. He couldn’t train with us, was in quarantine. Normally you have to work for one week to be part of [a Premier League game]. It’s a pity that he is out now. Hope he can be back Friday or Saturday and then can start training the beginning of next week to be an option for next weekend.

Leeds United v Wolverhampton Wanderers

Marcelo Bielsa confirmed that Pablo Hernandez is fit to face Wolves on Monday, while new signing Raphinha is expected to be in the squad.

Liam Cooper is touch and go with a muscle problem, however, while Diego Llorente (muscle) and Adam Forshaw (hip) are out.

Marcal (calf) is back in contention for the visitors but Nuno Espirito Santo did warn of some “problems” with his international contingent:

We have players that came from national teams with problems that we have to deal with, assess and manage.

Fortunately, players that were here, like Marcal, are starting with the team already, the first sessions with the team.

It’s about trying to balance everybody so that we can have a full squad in these moments.

Crystal Palace v Brighton and Hove Albion

Graham Potter said of Brighton’s fitness latest on Thursday:

Tariq [Lamptey] has trained today so we’ll see how he responds to that.

Jose [Izquierdo] has been training with the group and he benefitted from some game-time with the under-23s the other week, so we might see if we can do the same again this weekend. 

Davy [Propper], we just wanted to take it easy with him. He has trained this week as well so again, we’ll see what the reaction is towards the back-end of the week before we make a decision over the weekend.

Roy Hodgson revealed that Crystal Palace are assessing Wayne Hennessey after the goalkeeper picked up a muscle injury over the international break.

James McCarthy is out with a hamstring problem, meanwhile.

There were no further updates on Gary Cahill, James Tomkins and Patrick van Aanholt, all of whom were close to fitness even before the international break and who have all been in training.

Jeffrey Schlupp (muscle) has also rejoined the squad.

West Bromwich Albion v Burnley

Jack Cork (ankle), Ben Mee (thigh) and Matthew Lowton (knock) will again be missing for Burnley, with Johann Berg Gudmundsson (groin) and Bailey Peacock-Farrell (hip) to be assessed ahead of the meeting with West Brom.

Jay Rodriguez is back in contention after an ankle problem, however.

Slaven Bilic expects Hal Robson-Kanu to be out for between four and five weeks with a broken arm.

West Brom are still waiting to hear if Callum Robinson can play, with the striker having had to self-isolate over the international break.

Fulham v Sheffield United

Much like West Brom with Robinson, Sheffield United are waiting on news on whether John Egan can feature after his spell in self-isolation.

Chris Wilder also reported “a couple of injury issues with boys from international duty”, which could include David McGoldrick (muscle), John Fleck (back) and Oliver Burke (knock).

Scott Parker says that Joachim Anderson will be out for the “foreseeable future” after sustaining ankle ligament damage, with Kenny Tete (calf) also sidelined for the next few weeks.

Mario Lemina is fit again but Gameweek 5 looks to have come too soon for Harrison Reed (unspecified).



More detailed information and predicted line-ups can be found in the Team News tab, which will be refreshed before the Gameweek 5 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:

525 Comments Post a Comment
  1. mixology
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    i like 1A and for 2 I'd prefer something like 2A with Chilwell

    1. mixology
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      reply fail to Jonaldinho

      1. ilikewud
        • 3 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        Great top post

  2. Catastrophe
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    A) Bench KDB (start Justin)
    B) KDB -> Mane/Pulisic/Sterling (-4)
    C) KDB & Wilson -> Kane (c) & JRod/Grealish (-8)
    D) Something Else

    Already have Son (c) and Salah.

    Cheers

  3. Will J 256
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    What do you make of this -8?
    Mahrez, KDB, Podence to Son (C), Pulisic and Grealish?

    1. Pedersen
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      You think the transfered in players will score 8 points more than the transfered out? Otherwise you could just make a KdB to Son, if captain is the only thing you need

    2. dimo_fpl
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Looks good, but you never know with this season

    3. Catastrophe
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Not had a single hit pay off yet! I would just go KDB -> Son (c)

      1. Will J 256
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 3 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        Ok fair enough thanks guys!

    4. ilikewud
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      It's risky with Pulisic. I think I would have just done KDB to son. Think Mahrez and Podence look ok this week.

    5. Snooze ya lose
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Nice

  4. Pedersen
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    My current wc team. As the the gw is just around the corner, i am looking for feedback?

    Mccarthy - 4m
    Justin - Lamptey - konsa - Mitchell - Chillwell
    Salah - Son - rodriguez - grealish - jorginho
    Kane - dcl - wilson

    3.2itb to go any potential way needed

    1. Catastrophe
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Prefer Martinez to McCarthy

      Justin and Mitchell are risk of losing their places soon

      Jorginho could lose his place too dependent on Kante situation

      Think a few on here prefer Watkins and Maupay to Wilson.

    2. The Polymath
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Not sure about Jorginho, I would spend the money in defence,

      1. Gomolon
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        Agreed, you want a nailed on 2 pointer for a 5th mid and Jorginho simply isn't nailed

    3. Snooze ya lose
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Upgrade def and 2nd gk. otherwise gd

  5. WillyP
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Over here!! Hey, look at me! Over here!!

    Which 3 out of:

    A) R James
    B) Sais
    C) Justin
    D) Mitchell
    E) C Taylor

    1. fr3d
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      I see 4 rotation risks and Charlie Taylor

      1. WillyP
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        Mitchell and James maybe but Sais and Justin nailed on surely??

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

          As soon as Ricardo is back, Justin is out, and Saiss has made a few errors recently, so you never know

          1. Gomolon
            • 9 Years
            3 years, 5 months ago

            This, understood the appeal of Justin at start of season but not rn when Pereira is meant to be close to returning

          2. WillyP
            • 12 Years
            3 years, 5 months ago

            valid points. Cheers!

        2. fr3d
          • 6 Years
          3 years, 5 months ago

          Sounds like Taylor, Saiss and Justin is the answer to your question then. But Marcal and Pereira lurking (long-term)

          1. Amey
            • 5 Years
            3 years, 5 months ago

            Agree

            1. WillyP
              • 12 Years
              3 years, 5 months ago

              Thank you gents!

    2. Catastrophe
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      For this GW only? B, C, D

      1. WillyP
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        Yes just for this gameweek. I think Taylor is now nailed down for me and Mitchell might be benched if PVA is back.. Sais also in my selection so now 1 place between Justin and James

  6. The Polymath
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Best 4.5 Midfield Fodder?

    1. Catastrophe
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Bissouma?

    2. ilikewud
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Anguissa

    3. Gomolon
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Stephens and keep the £0.1

      1. The Polymath
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        Is he nailed in case I need him to cover injuries?

  7. Steinburg FC
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    A)KDB to Salah and keep Hamez for 3/4 more games

    B)KDB to Grealish(lei missing defenders) and next GW Hamez to Salah

    cheers

    1. Catastrophe
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      A

  8. Dacra
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Start Foden or Brewster?

    1. The Polymath
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Brewster

    2. dimo_fpl
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Brewster

    3. Catastrophe
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Brew

  9. _Ninja_
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Start Saiss or Lamptey?

    Brewster or Podence?

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

      Saiss and Brewster

      1. _Ninja_
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        Cheers

  10. drughi
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Decided to wildcard after the KDB news so this is what I have come up with, looking a bit template but should do well considering the fixtures coming up.

    Martinez
    Robertson TAA Ayling
    Grealish Son Salah Jrod
    Kane (C) Watkins DCL

    Button Soucek KWP Douglas

    any input would be appreciated!!

    1. KDB4PREZ
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Looks good mate but personally don’t think I’d double up on pool defense just now

      1. Gomolon
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        Same, looking good but would not want to go double LIV defence right now

  11. Teahupo'o
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Have Son Salah and no City. Best KDB replacement?

    A) Sterling
    B) Pulisic
    C) Mane

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

      B is more exciting

    2. the divine ponytail
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Mahrez?

    3. Sloane426
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Anyone but B

  12. mixology
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    I see a bunch of WC teams with attackers from (traditional) bottom half sides : Maupay, Wilson, Grealish, Watkins, etc.?

    Do you reckon the goals will keep flying in for these sides? Or to a certain extent?

    Seems like it may be a wise idea to only have 1 (possibly 2) premium assets and go for a few 6.5-7 million options instead of trying to have 3 or even 2 premiums.

    1. The Polymath
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      DCL, a premium and one of the players you mentioned.

  13. Shark Team
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    A)Chilwell Grealish Antonio
    or
    B)Lamptey Pulisic Watkins

  14. Johnny Leghorn
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Calling all Wolves fans - is Kilman going to get more game time?
    Who is he covering for and when are they back?
    Could really do a playing 4.0 right about now.

    1. BigKeith
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      think hes covering marcal who is now fit

  15. kysersosa
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    KDB to Mané for a hit?

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

      Depends on your bench, and who you’ll captain.

  16. Moxon
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    What is your backline?

    1. The Wanton Trader
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Robbo, Chilwell and Coleman

      1. Moxon
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        Ooo Coleman. Haven't seen that name mentioned around here much

        1. The Wanton Trader
          • 6 Years
          3 years, 5 months ago

          Poormans Digne 😉

          1. Moxon
            • 9 Years
            3 years, 5 months ago

            XD

  17. tissae
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Start Saiss(lee) or Lamptey(cry)?

    1. potatoace
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Lamps for the attacks

  18. Coops1990
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    1) Bench KDB and play Bissouma or Mitchell
    2) KDB to Sterling for -4

  19. Will J 256
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    KDB and Podence to Grealish and Pulisic (-4). Have son already!

  20. Lucas8406
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Podence to Rodriguez (-4)?

  21. Fernando Torres
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    KdB -> Bale/Sterling/Pulisic which one?

  22. Shark Team
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    BIG TIME QUESTION
    Robertson or Trent Alexander-Arnold

    1. Holmes
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Robertson

  23. the divine ponytail
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    After several drafts it is time to finalise my WC team.

    Please let me know which team you prefer.

    A) Sterling + Weak Defence team

    Adrian, Forster
    Targett, Lamptey, Bellerin, KWP
    Sterling, Salah, Son, Havertz, Soucek
    Kane, DCL, Brewster

    B) Robbo and no Sterling team

    Adrian, Forster
    Robbo, Lamptey, Reguillon, KWP
    Mahrez, Salah, Son, Havertz, Soucek
    Kane, DCL, Brewster

    Sterling probably would have been and will be KDB when he returns

  24. Atimis
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Worth keeping 0.5ITB on WC or upgrade e.g. 5th mid/def?

    Currently my bench would be like Lamptey, 4.4mid, 4.0def

    1. Geordie19
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      I’d keep as may get some self isolating one week

  25. Geordie19
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Done KDB to Pulisic
    Podence to:
    A) Mahrez
    B) Grealish
    C) Greenwood.
    Leaning to B or maybe A... thank you....

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

      B

    2. Bad Kompany
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      B

  26. jdp219
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    McCarthy, Nyland**
    Trent, Saiss, Justin, KWP, Mitchell
    Salah, KDB**, Son, Soucek, Podence
    Ings, Jimenez, Davis

    1) KDavis > Watkins
    2) KDB > Sterling
    3) KDB > Grealish
    4) KDB, KDavis > Trossard, Kane (-4)
    5) KDB, KDavis > Grealish, DCL (-4)

  27. PocketZola
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    What do you think the chessman will do?

    1. ilikewud
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Who cares

  28. FPLMACKEM
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    McCarthy
    TAA Robbo Taylor
    Salah KDB Rodriguez Podence
    Mitrovic Maupay Jimenez

    Steer Burke Lewis Ferguson

    1.9 ITV

    What to do with KDB?

    A KDB > Son -4
    B Hold and hope Burke plays against Fulham
    C Any other suggestions?

    1. Bad Kompany
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      A imo

  29. Radzio
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Ings to Kane for -4? Already did KDB-Son

    1. Bad Kompany
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      I would

  30. Bad Kompany
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Is Pulisic likely to start this gw?

    1. ilikewud
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      I'll give Frank and ring

    2. Fernando Torres
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      I would imagine so.

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

      I think Frank said he gonna starts

      1. Bad Kompany
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        Cheers!

    4. The Suspended One
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Looks that way