Team News

Latest FPL injury news on Calvert-Lewin, Pope, Dias, Antonio and other key assets

Fantasy Premier League managers learned a great deal about recently injured players in Double Gameweek 24’s pre-match press conferences.

After a swathe of key figures sustained problems in the FA Cup, the importance of these media briefings was higher than ever.

And, thankfully, we were treated to a number of relatively helpful updates.

Pep Guardiola was in an uncharacteristically forthcoming mood, confirming that key Double Gameweek defender Rúben Dias (£6.1m) had returned to training following an illness.

The Manchester City manager also revealed that Rodri (£5.3m) after sustaining a knock against Swansea midweek, good news for anyone previously concerned about Ilkay Gündogan (£6.0m) moving into a deeper midfield role.

Still, how long the German international can last in his more advanced role, which works best in combination with a false-nine, remains to be seen considering Sergio Aguero (£10.3m) trained for the second time this week following a positive coronavirus (COVID-19) test.

Saves and bonus for Pope highlight advantage over Burnley defensive colleagues

The Nick Pope (£5.5m) scare appears to be over as quickly as it began. The goalkeeper was left out of the FA Cup defeat against Bournemouth with a knock, as revealed by Sean Dyche talking to talkSPORT midweek.

However, he confirmed on Thursday that the goalkeeper had “recovered to train”.

“Charlie Taylor getting fitter, will be touch and go. Robbie Brady, similar but different to Charlie – it’s the risk and reward of playing these guys. Woody is a doubt for the weekend. Nick Pope, he has settled down.” – Sean Dyche

Meanwhile, Roy Hodgson had “nothing new to report” in terms of injuries ahead of Double Gameweek 24 as Wilfried Zaha (£7.1m) remains on the sidelines. Crystal Palace are yet to score a single goal in a Premier League match he did not start this season.

Carlo Ancelotti has ruled Dominic Calvert-Lewin (£7.6m) out of Everton’s first Double Gameweek 24 fixture against Fulham.

And, somewhat unfortunately for his owners, it is the Machester City meeting on Wednesday which the striker might be fit for, as well as Jordan Pickford (£4.8m).

“Both (Calvert-Lewin and Pickford) will not be available for the game on Sunday. We are looking for the next game on Wednesday where we think both of them will be available. “I think (Calvert-Lewin) stopped [playing] before the problem [developed]. He only had a sensation, a feeling that something was not good and he stopped. He has a little problem, he can play on Wednesday.” – Carlo Ancelotti

There was better news on James Rodríguez (£7.7m) who has returned to training and is available to play twice in Double Gameweek 24.

“Rodríguez is fine, he’s trained yesterday and today. He’s available for the game on Sunday, no problem.” – Carlo Ancelotti

Even with Rodríguez back in the team, Calvert-Lewin is still consigned to a single Gameweek fixture against Manchester City. As a result, his Fantasy stock will have fallen considerably in the wider context of a Double Gameweek.

There is also no change in the Fulham camp as they prepare to face Everton and Burnley.

In his Friday press conference, Scott Parker confirmed Tom Cairney (£5.2m) and Terence Kongolo (£4.3m) remained his only injury absentees.

The 29.7% ownership of James Justin (£5.2m) certainly have a transfer on their hands after Brendan Rodgers revealed the defender had injured his ACL. Upcoming opponents Liverpool will be without Fabinho (£5.4m).

“Fabinho will not be available, he suffered again a little muscle issue so will be out for this game. So we’ll have to find a solution and all of them had the chance this week to show in training who is ready.” – Jurgen Klopp

Meanwhile, there was a slightly less helpful update from David Moyes concerning Michail Antonio (£6.7m).

After the West Ham forward was diagnosed with fatigue, his manager said on Friday the player was “doing well” and would “hopefully be close” to being involved against Sheffield United on Monday.

Can Jesse Lingard follow up on his West Ham debut FPL haul 10

Moyes was clearer on Angelo Ogbonna (£5.0m) and Issa Diop (£4.3m) though. The former is definitely out of Double Gameweek 24 with an ankle injury while the latter “is fine” after sustaining a head injury midweek.

It is also a case of one in, one out for Manchester United. Paul Pogba (£7.6m) will not feature at West Bromwich Albion on Sunday afternoon but Eric Bailly (£4.9m) is back in training.

“We’ve had a rare opportunity to do a bit of training and recovery. Paul [Pogba] is out. Eric has been training, which is a boost to us.Eric is available. He has trained for a couple of days so he’ll be available for selection. So that’s a positive. Apart from that, no-one else is back.” – Ole Gunnar Solskjaer

Leeds assets could be restricted in their full potential this weekend considering the latest update on Kalvin Phillips (£4.9m). 

The holding midfielder, who has acted as the Whites’ lynchpin this season, is currently a doubt after picking up a knock in Monday’s 2-0 win over Crystal Palace. Robin Koch (£4.3m) and Diego Llorente (£4.4m) are still missing in defence.

“There’s not a definite position at the moment whether he’ll be able to play or not. For the moment, no player is coming back and Kalvin remains a doubt. In the case of Robin Koch, week to week we are verifying when he can return. With regards Diego Llorente, it’s a day to day thing.” – Marcelo Bielsa

Still, Arsenal unlikely to be at full strength either. Mikel Arteta needs to see more of Kieran Tierney (£5.2m) in training before making a call on the left-back while Thomas Partey (£4.9m) has been ruled out.

Timo Werner (£9.2m) has recovered from his dead leg in time to face Newcastle this weekend although Thiago Silva (£5.6m) misses out with Kai Havertz (£8.2m) also a doubt.

“It’s maybe too close for Kai, still, and for sure, for Thiago. For Thiago, we are aiming for Southampton. Let’s see if we make it – cannot promise. For Kai, let’s see if he’s out today. Will be a very short time so maybe he will be missing this match.” – Thomas Tuchel

Newcastle are set to be without Callum Wilson (£6.7m) for “six to eight weeks” following a tear to his hamstring. Fabian Schär (knee) and Javier Manquillo (ankle) will both be out for a similar length of time with ligament damage.

Newcastle stick with back five for relegation six-pointer against Sheffield United

Dean Smith gave his usual update ahead of the weekend’s action. Kortney Hause (£4.4m) and Wesley (£6.0m) are the only absentees for Aston Villa, who still have the same group of players available for selection after the 1-0 win over Arsenal.

Adam Webster (£4.4m) is doubtful to feature for Brighton against Villa, while Graham Potter put a 12-week timescale on Solly March‘s (£5.0m) return from his knee injury. Davy Pröpper (£4.8m) has trained and his manager “thinks” he will be available on Saturday.

Meanwhile, Tariq Lamptey (£4.6m) is “making good progress now and [is] not far away” although Brighton are erring on the side of caution as he recovers from his hamstring problem.

Grady Diangana (£5.0m) is now back in full training for West Bromwich Albion following his recent hamstring strain.

1,293 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Vovhund
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Kane or Watkins this week?

    1. Riders of Yohan
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Watkins for me. City’s defence at the moment is silly good

    2. Forza Papac
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Kane. Brighton haven't conceded more than one goal in the last 6 GW's. Penalties are a factor as we saw with Salah vs City. Kane is also a much better footballer.

      1. toerag
        • 13 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        is kane on pens??

        1. Forza Papac
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 8 Years
          3 years, 1 month ago

          Has them until he misses one then it's Lloris

        2. JohnnyRev7
          • 13 Years
          3 years, 1 month ago

          Not if Bale is on the pitch.

          So yes, Kane.

    3. Gudjohnsen
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Kane

  2. Riders of Yohan
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Thoughts on Dias + Gordon —> Struijk + Gundo?

    Martinez
    Cancelo, Dallas, Rudiger
    Salah, Bruno, rashford, Sterling, Gundo
    Bamford, Watkins

    Forster. Antonio, struijk, Kilman

    1. Union_Jacks
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Stacked midfield

  3. AzzaroMax99
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    So with all these Pool's problems in defense, is it bad move to go Vardy to Ings for a hit?
    Would get Ingsy for next week deffo.

    1. Nate(U)dog(ie)
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Yeah hold until next week, Vardy could well return against Pool

  4. Gudge
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Bench 1

    A- Son
    B- Grealish
    C- AWB

    1. AzzaroMax99
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      a

    2. Gudjohnsen
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      C

    3. Better luck next year
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      C

  5. My neck my back my Saed Kol…
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Is the general consensus still to wildcard 25 and BB 26 with a free hit 29? I’m thinking this’ll still be my plan but feel uneasy activating a wildcard with the doubles yet to be announced

    1. Scholes Out For Summer
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      im doing WC now. Attack 3 DGWs at once. Just takes some plannings and cash ITB for flexibility

    2. Baps hunter
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Nope. Most are doing it though.

      1. Baps hunter
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Or it is the most common strategy to be more precise.

  6. sirmorbach
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Two last questions, please:

    Pope
    Dias*, Stones, Digne*, Cresswell
    Salah, Bruno, Grealish, Gündogan
    Antonio*, Watkins

    Martinez, Soucek, Dallas, DCL

    1: Sell DCL to Cavani/Bamford or save FT and assess later?
    2: Bench Watkins or Soucek?

  7. Better luck next year
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Gtg? Got 1FT but think I’ll save it for next GW.

    Martinez
    Dias Stones Lowton
    Salah Bruno Son Gundo(C) Soucek
    Antonio Bamford

    4.0 Dallas Mitchell Brewster

    1. JBG
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Gtg

  8. Chief Break-Everything
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Martinez
    Cancelo Stones Coufal
    Bruno Gundo Grealish Salah Son
    Bamford Antonio*

    [Johnstone Dallas DCL Mitchell] 2FT 2.2 ITB

    End game is to get Kane in.. Do I

    A) DCL - Reid - Leave as 1st Sub - Roll 1 FT
    B) DCL & Antonio - Reid & Kane - Free
    C) Get some Burnley?

    1. DIMITRIS
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      B

  9. ooooo
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Justin + Bissouma + DCL to Lowton + Gundo + Kane(-4)?

    1. DIMITRIS
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      I would do that.

  10. jdp219
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Martinez, Forster
    Cancelo, Stones, Mee
    Bruno, Salah, Grealish, Gundo, Soucek
    Antonio, Bamford
    (Forster; Coufal, DCL, Kilman)

    2FTs, 5.7itb -- not convinced I need to use both
    1) DCL > Richarlison (maybe Ings?)
    2) Antonio > Kane (going to drop Antonio soon anyway)
    3) Forster > Pope

    1. DIMITRIS
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      2

  11. Earn your Spurs
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Is there a new article on BGW29 since fixtures are known, now including when fixtures being moved might fit in?

    I can't find anytihng since before last nights games

    1. AC/DC AFC
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Suspect the focus is on dgw24 right now then 25.

    2. Earn your Spurs
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Oops found it!

  12. dee_top
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Start one:
    A) Soucek
    B) Bamford

    1. DIMITRIS
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      B

      1. Better luck next year
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Bambam. Im starting both btw.

  13. DIMITRIS
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    How do I look for this GW?
    Would you change anything?

    Pope (Forster)
    Cancelo - Stones - Digne - Lowton - Creswell
    Bruno - Sterling (C) - Rashford (Son, Raphihna)
    Bamford - Antonio (Davis)

  14. Better luck next year
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Bambam. Im starting both btw

  15. wulfrunian
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    So Charlie Taylor is fit.

    1. La Roja
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Get a room

    2. Pukki Party
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      He has been "touch and go" for weeks?

  16. SADIO SANÉ
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    The steaming turd I’ve just done

    1. SADIO SANÉ
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Oops reply fail

    2. AC/DC AFC
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Was it brown?

  17. MoSalalalalalalalalah
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Is Cavani the best forward for 9.3 or less?

    1. SADIO SANÉ
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      IRL or FPL?

      1. MoSalalalalalalalalah
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        FPL

        1. SADIO SANÉ
          • 8 Years
          3 years, 1 month ago

          Ingsy wingsy I guess

    2. DIMITRIS
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      There are also Bamford, Watkins and Ings. All look like great prospects.

      1. MoSalalalalalalalalah
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Have both Bamford and Watkins, not sure on Southampton's form though. However, they won last night

        1. DIMITRIS
          • 5 Years
          3 years, 1 month ago

          They are bound to bounce back from their bad form and Ings will bi pivotal for that.

          1. MoSalalalalalalalalah
            • 5 Years
            3 years, 1 month ago

            Yeah Ings is there focal point. Would you say better option than Cavani?

    3. AC/DC AFC
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Bamford
      DCL
      Antonio and
      Watkins are.

      1. MoSalalalalalalalalah
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Yeah have Bamford and Watkins and trying to replace DCL

    4. Sloane426
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Ings

  18. Klip Klopp
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Can I get some advice on my next move to make?

    Martinez
    Stones / Maguire / Cancelo
    Salah (c) / Son / Bruno / Grealish / Gundo
    DCL* / Antonio*

    Forster, Bamord, Coufal / Bissouma, Douglas

    I have 1FT and 1itb.

    A. Forster + DCL --> Pope + Watkins for a -4
    B. Forster + DCL --> Pope + Josh King for a -4
    C. DCL --> Ings
    D. Any other suggestions

    Thanks!!

  19. Super Sharpe Shooter
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Pope [McCarthy]
    Stones - Mee - Digne
    Grealish - Gundo - Sterling - Salah - Bruno
    Antonio - Watkins
    [Bamford - Coufal - Alioski]

    Tempted to hold free transfers now that DCL is out so that I've got 2 for next week when we'll know the GW26 picture. Anyone disagree? And only dilemma here is to bench Antonio instead of Bamford...

  20. WE GO FOR IT
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Son and DCL out for? All will be for a hit for one week as I plan to WC in GW25.

    A. Cavani + Hames
    B. Richarlison + Hames
    C. Werner + Lookman

    1. jason_ni
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Son out for a hit could backfire spectacularly.

      1. WE GO FOR IT
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Can get him back on WC. I've already sold and bought him in. So, no value tied up in him. Also, if I have one Spurs player, it will be Kane. So, I might remove him on WC next week anyway. And without downgrading him, I won't be able to get Pope who will be 1 of my 2 FTs this week.

  21. Drop Dead Tsimikas
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    No news on Digne?

  22. jason_ni
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Which do you prefer

    A)
    GW24 - Bamford vs arsenal
    GW25 - Dias vs arsenal
    +4 points

    B)
    GW24 - Cavani vs wba
    GW25 - Cavani vs NEW

  23. bigwig
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Anyone got a link to the Ben Crellin magic spreadsheet?

    1. bigwig
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      S'alright, got it on his twitter

  24. Aadii
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Wildcard Team (planned for both dgw 24 and 25 with an aim for dgw 26)

    Areloa
    Mee Stones Shaw Azpli
    Sterling Gundo Fernandes Ward Prouse
    Adams Cavani
    Bench: dallas meslier minamino bamford

    Suggestions for improvement?

  25. AzzaroMax99
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Start Antonio or Bamford?

    1. Aster
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Antonio

    2. Aadii
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Antonio likely to start at the bench

  26. dee_top
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Who will score more points:
    A) Soucek
    B) Barnes (-4)

    1. Flynny
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Not worth hit

  27. Das Boot
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Balls or Stupidity. Werner (c)

    he has hurt me so much this season I figured another kick in the balls I could handle

    1. jason_ni
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Ballsy - good week to do it, no real stand out captain option.

      1. Das Boot
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Thoughts are Tuchel has had a few weeks with them now so hopefully will have had time to start changing mentality and methods

      2. Das Boot
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Thanks for the reply BTW. much appreciated

      3. Union_Jacks
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        No real standout? It’s a dgw for God sake

        1. Das Boot
          • 9 Years
          3 years, 1 month ago

          aye but both city and Everton have tough fixtures so nothing set in stone

          1. Das Boot
            • 9 Years
            3 years, 1 month ago

            It is done now so we will see how it plays out. A nice wee differential to get excited or burned by

        2. jason_ni
          • 8 Years
          3 years, 1 month ago

          Who is stand out option from the dbl teams?

          I am going Gundo, but Im not fully convinced.

          If we knew Sterling started both, he'd be the best option, but who knows with pep.

          When you have nick pope as 5th on the poll, you know its an odd week.

          1. Das Boot
            • 9 Years
            3 years, 1 month ago

            Aye. brought in Pope and Werner on free transfers so will see how it pans out. Have Gundogan and co.

      4. JohnnyRev7
        • 13 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        I captained him last GW.

        20pts and a 100k rank rise.

        I'll go Gündogan this GW to play safe but Werner is still a good asset to have.

        TSB 11.9% (which is mostly dead teams) so a nice differential.

    2. Aadii
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Stupidity.
      Balls would be Azplicuita

  28. adams2318
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Do I take a -4 hit to replace DCL with Cavani or Richarlison? Or save transfer and play Son (I have 2 city defenders) or Smith Rowe? Planning on WC wk25. Thanks

    1. Steve The Spud
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Save and play son

  29. donbagino
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    2 FT.
    Mendy
    R.James, Coufal, Stones, Dallas, Justin
    Gundo, Sterling, Bruno, Salah, Raphinha
    DCL, Antonio, Bamford

    a) Justin to Burnley def
    b) DCL -->Cavani
    c) both

    If a) than 4-4-2 (DCL, Raph i Dallas bench)
    If b) than 3-4-3 (Dallas, Justin, Raph bench)
    If c) that 3-4-3 (but who to bench apart from Dallas, Raph: R. James? Coufal, Bamford, Antonio?

    1. Aadii
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      C

      1. donbagino
        • 3 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        if c) who to bench?

  30. Steve The Spud
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Bench order ok and gtg?

    Areola
    Cancelo lowton coufal maguire
    Sterling (c) gundo, Rashford bruno
    Lacazette bamford

    Fabianski souceck holding dcl