Team News

FPL Gameweek 9 team news: Injury updates on Pulisic, Chilwell, Mitchell and more

It’s hard to remember a Gameweek in which team news updates were so eagerly awaited but the international break – and an Egyptian wedding – has decimated many Fantasy managers’ squads over the last fortnight.

Given that there is so much to address on the fitness front between now and Saturday’s FPL deadline, we’re bringing you this bonus, earlier-than-usual team news article before we attempt to tackle the last-minute mayhem tomorrow.

The managers of Aston Villa, Brighton and Hove Albion, Burnley, Chelsea, Crystal Palace and West Bromwich Albion all held their official pre-Gameweek 9 press conferences on Thursday, and we’ll round up the key updates below.

The head coaches of the other 14 clubs are happily all scheduled to face the media on Friday, which should reduce, if not eliminate, the risk of any bombshells dropping after the deadline has passed.

We’ll bring you news on those virtual conference calls at the same time tomorrow.

CHELSEA

Christian Pulisic (hamstring) will miss the trip to Newcastle United this weekend, with the Saturday lunchtime kick-off also looking like it’ll come too soon for Kai Havertz (match fitness) and Thiago Silva (fatigue).

Speaking to the media today, Frank Lampard said:

Christian Pulisic is not fit for Newcastle but he’s stepped up his training slowly, it’s been quite a problematic injury so we’ll stay cautious.

Kai Havertz is back, his isolation is over, tested negative two days ago. He’s just started training with us, more on his own to get some of his fitness back after two weeks at home.

Thiago Silva has just landed [back from Brazil], he probably won’t be going to Newcastle because of the length of the journey and timings etc.

We’re still waiting on some results from the tests that we now have to do. Unfortunately, some of our players are arriving back this afternoon, some played last night, so with the 12.30 kick-off on Saturday, there’s clearly a lot of challenges for us.

Asked specifically about Ben Chilwell, who was substituted with a back injury while playing for England last Sunday but back on the bench against Iceland in midweek, Lampard said:

I haven’t seen him yet, he stayed with England. He was improving, hence he was on the bench. So I’m positive that he’ll be OK but I’ll have to see him later on today.

CRYSTAL PALACE

Roy Hodgson confirmed that James Tomkins (muscle), Joel Ward (groin) and Tyrick Mitchell (knock) are all back in training and fit to face Burnley on Monday, while Martin Kelly (unspecified) has also made a swift return to the training ground after picking up an injury during the international break.

On Eberechi Eze (muscle), Hodgson added:

He went away with under-21s and picked up a slight injury there. So at the moment we’ll assess how that’s going to go but hopefully it’s not going to keep him out.

Luka Milivojevic is self-isolating after a positive COVID-19 test but is suspended anyway.

BURNLEY

Erik Pieters (calf) and Phil Bardsley (knock) are back in contention for Burnley’s match against Crystal Palace, while Sean Dyche said he was optimistic that Charlie Taylor (Achilles) could shake off a “niggle” to also feature.

Dyche added that the Clarets were “hopeful” but “keeping an eye on” Johann Berg Gudmundsson (calf), while Dale Stephens (hamstring) looks set to miss out and Robbie Brady (hamstring) requires further assessment after returning injured from international duty with Ireland.

Jack Cork (foot) remains sidelined.

ASTON VILLA

Dean Smith revealed in his pre-match press conference that Wesley (knee), Bjorn Engels (thigh) and Frederic Guilbert (hip) are still out, adding that the fit-again Tom Heaton (match fitness) “needs a few more minutes” despite featuring for the under-23s and in an in-house game over the international break.

Hosting his virtual media gathering early on Thursday morning, Smith also said that he hadn’t yet had a chance to check on his returning international contingent – several of whom, including Jack Grealish, were in action on Wednesday night.

Kortney Hause (groin) is expected back in training today.

BRIGHTON AND HOVE ALBION

Graham Potter confirmed that Aaron Connolly (hamstring) and Solly March (foot) are back in training and haven’t had any setbacks, while Lewis Dunk returns from suspension.

Davy Propper has a stomach illness, however, while Alexis Mac Allister (COVID-19) is unavailable.

A late decision will also be made on Leandro Trossard (thigh) but Potter did warn that Saturday’s match against Aston Villa “might come a little bit soon”.

WEST BROMWICH ALBION

What Fulham defeat tells us about West Brom defence ahead of Spurs clash

Branislav Ivanovic, Matheus Pereira and Callum Robinson could all return the West Brom squad this weekend, having recovered from coronavirus.

The Baggies have been hit by more positive COVID-19 tests, however, and Slaven Bilic wouldn’t elaborate on names when asked in his pre-match presser:

Matheus and Branislav are back in training. They have quarantined and tested negative so they are back. We have to be fair, a few other players were positive so they haven’t trained for a few days and we are waiting for their results.

Hopefully, they will be back for training tomorrow, maybe today. A few of the guys who were on international duty, they will be back today and have to do the test again as soon as they land.

Hopefully, they are going to go be good but we have a few cases, yes. The good thing is that Pereira and Ivanovic and back. They have been training the whole week. So they will be fine for the game against Man United.

Callum Robinson tested positive but he was tested against last night and he is negative so he is good.



More detailed information and predicted line-ups can be found in the Team News tab, which will be refreshed over the next two days.

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

A video round-up with Andy and Neale will be filmed on Friday.

547 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Daniel Exeter
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    How long has Justin got left in the Leicester team? Or is he nailed?

    1. Big Ronnie
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Would like to know how long as well. Not nailed, once Pereira and Castagne are fit he drops out but I'm hoping he has a few more gameweeks.

    2. DGW Sane TC Fail....
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      I read in late October Pereira was about 6 weeks off him being back. I was a bad injury so am not expecting him to walk right back in. Can see him doing a substitutions for Justin until he's up to full speed. With a heavy Xmas schedule i expect Justin to be a good option until after the New Year.

      1. Big Ronnie
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        That's what I like to hear, had him all season and keeping on WC so will wait until Pereira makes a sub appearance before considering ditching

        1. DGW Sane TC Fail....
          • 13 Years
          3 years, 4 months ago

          Just make sure you have a good enough bench to cover for him. I think he will see game time over the Xmas schedule rotating with Pereira. After New year i will have to go i think ..or then again Pereira might play right wing 🙂

          1. DGW Sane TC Fail....
            • 13 Years
            3 years, 4 months ago

            After New Year he will have to go**

  2. Flynny
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Hi folks. Already on - 4 . What to do with salah?

    Concerned we won't know one way or another if he will be missing for gw10 ahead of gw9 deadline...

    A.... sell for bruno (c) - 4

    B...bench (and potentially for gw10). captain grealish and start lamptey

    Thanks

    1. The Polymath
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Forget B, do A now.

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

      Wait until the press conference is done and dusted tomorrow, should help inform your decision

      1. Flynny
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Cheers. Not sure how much it will help.

        Klopp won't be able to let us know if his next test will be positive or not - so don't see how wr will get much clarity

        This coupled with the fact that bruno is the standout captain make me think ill rake the hit

        1. No Professionals
          • 6 Years
          3 years, 4 months ago

          It just depends how close the prices are to moving, if not then there is no harm in waiting, what it fernandes picks up a knock in training

          1. Flynny
            • 9 Years
            3 years, 4 months ago

            I'll wait till after pressers

            But as I say klopp won't know when he will return unless he can read the future re the next covid test!

  3. The Polymath
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Who to get?

    A) Ziyech
    B) Son

    1. RamaJama
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      A

    2. Puntillimon
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      A

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

    How’s my wc looking?

    Martinez
    Coufal Chillwell Cancello
    Grealish Ziyech Bruno KDB
    Vardy Bamford DCL

    Button Soucek KWP Lewis 0.9itb

    1. FPL Blow-In
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Decent. What’s the .9 for?

      1. dbeck
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Bruno to Raz next week

        1. FPL Blow-In
          • 11 Years
          3 years, 4 months ago

          Why keep .9 for a downgrade 😉

          1. dbeck
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 6 Years
            3 years, 4 months ago

            Haha it sounds dumb now but I like the option and need to rise the ranks and Man City home vs Burnley and Fulham is too good to pass up. Might not look as dumb if Bruno blanks vs wba

    2. Buck The Trent
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Template = great

    3. The Polymath
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Good

    4. No Professionals
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Good team

  5. jonnybhoy
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Salah to KDB for free?

    1. Botman and Robben
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      yes

    2. RamaJama
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Yrs

    3. The Polymath
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      YES

  6. Dosh
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Best one week punt to replace Salah?

    Bruno, Ziyech, Rodriguez or anyone else?

    1. dbeck
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Bruno

    2. RamaJama
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Bruno

    3. Hattrick Harry
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Probably Lallana the beast awakening, get early points there

      1. dbeck
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        +1

  7. FPL Blow-In
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    How’s this look -4. Bench is thing if nightmares I know.

    Martinez
    Mings, Chillwell, Cresswell
    Bruno, Son, Rodriguez, Grealish
    Kane, Werner, Dcl

    Foster, Amartey, Ferguson, James

  8. arkom
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Chilwell / Cancelo / XXX / Justin / Kilman

    A) Cresswell (5,1£)
    or?
    B) Coufal (4,5£)

    1. waltzingmatildas
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      A but depends on what you'd do with the 0.6

    2. yanky
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      A if you can afford due to attacking/setpieces

      1. arkom
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Chilwell / Cancelo / XXX / Justin / Kilman
        Bruno / KDB / Ziyech / Grealish / Soucek
        DCL / Vardy / Bamford

        1,8£ ITB - So yes Cresswell is possible. But then in the future Bruno to Salah isn't possible!

  9. waltzingmatildas
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Which do you prefer?
    A) kdb and Antonio/watkins
    B) ziyech and vardy

    1. Buck The Trent
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      B for the next few

    2. Puntillimon
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      A with watkins

  10. jonnybhoy
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Bench one

    A) Taylor (CRY H)
    B) Saiss (Sou H)
    C) Targett (BHA H)

    1. waltzingmatildas
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      B

    2. Dosh
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      B

      1. Dosh
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        A

  11. Saka Punch
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Best captain if you had both?

    A) Werner

    B) Bruno

    1. Buck The Trent
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      B

    2. Hansel
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      B

  12. yanky
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    those with wc left

    a) now
    b) gw10 for fixture swing
    c) save closer to xmas/doubles

    1. Dosh
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      B

    2. Big Ronnie
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Depends on the state of your team. I did mine this week because defence was a mess and glad I did now with Salah out. No regrets.

      1. yanky
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Mccarthy
        Chillwell Cresswell Laptey TAA Mitchell
        Grealish Podence Bissouma Son Salah
        Kane DCL Maupay

        1. Big Ronnie
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 10 Years
          3 years, 4 months ago

          Could probably get away with a -4 this week. Lacking any City, Chelsea attack and Vardy

    3. Hansel
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      C

    4. Tambling5
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      C .
      Similar team. Few transfers, to get City in. Wild carding game 16 or so.

  13. FPLMACKEM
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Currently on WC. Should I get rid of Salah for mane?

    I bought him for 12 so will currently get 12.1 for him. Brewster/Coufal will play in place.

    Really annoying because I know I will want him straight back when he's available which will pencil in a transfer straight away.

    1. dbeck
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Points and not team value

  14. stu92
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Liverpool defenders - stick or twist? I own Robbo and am planning to stick with for another few weeks at least, anyone in similar boat?

    1. Puntillimon
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      If you stick for leicester surely you keep till Fulham at least

    2. n-doggg
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Stick for robbo, twist for Trent

  15. Dosh
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    A. Play Targett (BHA)
    B. Play Podence (SOU)
    C. Podence --> Ziyech (-4)

    1. Make ManeMane Make ManeMane
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      I'd rank:

      distant 3rd
      1st
      2nd

      but I rate Podence more than most

      1. Dosh
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Thanks. Yea think I'll avoid the hit and trust Podence one last time.

  16. Nespinha
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Fill in the spots (only 3 play):

    Bellerin / KWP / ____ / ____ / Mitchel

    A) Cancelo + Coufal
    B) Cresswell + Lamptey

    1. Puntillimon
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      A

  17. camarozz
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    7 days since iv been on and I have only 1 flag(Salah) . Not bad!!

    Jota nailed till he's back?

    1. Puntillimon
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      I would say yes, but may be rotated with shaq/minamino. Very unlikely but still possible with CL on the horizon

  18. LewanGOALski
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Crazy to go Ziyech over Bruno..?

    1. The 12th Man
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      I am but I have Rashford. Don’t know whether doubling up on United attack is wise.

  19. g40steve
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    GTG?

    Unsure on C?

    Martinez
    Coufal, Chilwell, Zouma
    Grealish, Bruno, Zaha, Son
    DCL C, Kane, Bamford

    Forster, Lamptey, Robbo, Podence

    2.2

    Any changes?

    1. The 12th Man
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Nice team.

      1. g40steve
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Cheers 🙂

  20. Puntillimon
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Would you go
    A) Bruno, jota + jrod with benching headache
    B) mane, kdb + riedewald with riedewald bench every week

    1. Tonyawesome69
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      B

  21. n-doggg
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Play:

    A. Dier (MCI)
    B. KWP (wol)

    1. Tonyawesome69
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      B

    2. Puntillimon
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      B

  22. R.C
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    No FPL Blackbox this GW?

    1. Puntillimon
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Maybe tmr? No Friday kickoffs this week

    2. Tonyawesome69
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      No, Mark has broadband issues. Andy has a live stream tonight with Az https://twitter.com/LetsTalk_FPL/status/1329499935956353024?s=19

      1. Puntillimon
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Thanks!

      2. Brosstan
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Mark cant get a decent 4G hotspot on his phone with the billions he earned from selling FFS? 😮

        1. No Professionals
          • 6 Years
          3 years, 4 months ago

          Az has a new ps5 is the real reason

  23. GE
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Salah ->

    A) Bruno
    B) KDB
    C) Ziyech

    1. n-doggg
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      D. Mane

      Unless you have no other plan to get Kdb

    2. RamaJama
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      A

    3. The 12th Man
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      All 3 are good options.
      Tough. I’ll be going Ziyech this week .

    4. Tonyawesome69
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      A if you have a plan to bring in City mid in GW10

    5. drughi
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      B and you can focus on other transfers next week

    6. Camzy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      KdB. You'll want him for 10 anyway.

  24. PepSala
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Bench Lamptey or podence?

    Captain Ziyech or DCL?

    1. RamaJama
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Lamptey, dcl

    2. Tonyawesome69
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Podence DCL

    3. drughi
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      DCL (C) Ziyech(VC) here

    4. Dosh
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Lamptey DCL

    5. dunas_dog
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      I have captaincy on Ziyech
      Bench Lamptey

  25. The 12th Man
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Since GW 3 I’ve gone, -4,-4,-8,-4,-4,-4.
    Lol.
    Might have to take another-4 this week too.

    1. RamaJama
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      This season...

      1. The 12th Man
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Yup,

    2. Ze_Austin
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      I'll raise you

      Mine is unspeakable

      1. The 12th Man
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Fair play.

    3. Iceball
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Havent taken a hit yet but Salah to Bruno or KDB in the cards

    4. camarozz
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      1st time in 8 seasons iv not taken a hit yet. Surprised myself.

    5. Camzy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      You should've just WC'ed earlier then you could avoid most of those.

      1. The 12th Man
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        I WC’ed in wk 2.
        Hides behind a rock.

    6. Salah’s Sonnet
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Hits almost every gameweek, had to be done, a -12 worked out beautifully as well few GW’s ago, have had to do the same this GW, could even be -16

    7. HashAttack
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      -16, -8, -12, WC, -4, -4, -8, -8 (This week)

      1. The 12th Man
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Woah that’s some record.
        What’s your rank with those hits?

        1. HashAttack
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 4 months ago

          Just over 3m ... it's been a struggle

          1. The 12th Man
            • 10 Years
            3 years, 4 months ago

            Think I need to take a hit this week too.
            Around 2m for me.

  26. Hazardous1983
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Mcarthy (steer)
    Taylor chilwell zouma.(mitchell justin)
    Salah podence son bruno (bissouma)
    Dcl kane wilson

    1.3m in bank 0ft and wildcard used.

    What to do with this.mess

  27. Hazardous1983
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    bench lamptey or kilman

    1. Brosstan
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Play Kilman because Nuno is an enemy of football

    2. dunas_dog
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Kilman may be given compassionate leave after sadly losing his Dad this week

  28. sentz05
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    On a WC

    Is DCL really worth the extra 1.7m over Watkins? Villa have the better fixtures and form.

    1. Puntillimon
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Get both

      1. Tonyawesome69
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        This for me

  29. camarozz
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Is there a reason Robbo isn't flagged if he's supposed to be ill?

    1. Tonyawesome69
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      He just played 90 mins last night in the scotland game

  30. Warby84
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Martinez
    Telles Van Aanholt Digne
    Ziyech De Bruyne Rashford Fernandes (c)
    Werner Calvert-Lewin Watkins

    Thoughts on my Free hit?

    Is it worth Chilwell this week, prefer Digne vs Fulham.. Also stuck on Grealish/Vardy or De Bruyne/Watkins,