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. Paqueta Rice
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Is Salah to Bruno worth a hit?

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

      This is always tough because Salah could bang in a hattrick or blank again

      1. Paqueta Rice
        • 3 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Yeah, tough decision. The temptation of the West Brom game is strong but Leicester without Justin and possibly Castagne

    2. Igz08
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      nah

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

      These are the sort of decisions that can make or break seasons. I remember a couple of years back getting Salah and Aguero for each of their bad patches and missing their hauls. I think the year before then I held onto Alonso way too long when he was doing nothing. I would try to hold onto Salah but if forced to make a decision, Bruno is in such good form and Salah seems to be going through a bad patch so I’d say it was worth a punt

  2. Bury94
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Saka or Rashford for this week? Saka better stats but West Brom are dreadful

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

      Rash

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

      Rash

    3. Igz08
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Not sure how thats even a competition

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

    Torn between risking a DGW injury and not.

    Which three to start?

    A) Wood** (cry, FUL)
    B) Bamford (ars)
    C) Coufal (SHU)
    D) DCL** (FUL, MCI)
    E) Grealish (bha)

    1. largeagle
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      ECA

    2. Im New Here
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      ACE

  4. boombaba
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Play bammers or watkins This gw

    1. Igz08
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      patty

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

      Bam, just because its not the game I expect leeds to deliver...

    3. SHOWSTOPPERRR
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Tight..am planning to bring Watkins to bench him though am going with bamford probably

  5. Radzio
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Do we expect Che Adams to start? Not sure he was rested in cup or dropped. Any ideas?

    He is part of my BB with Martinez, Dallas and Soucek, dont know if its worth to use my FT to move him to Ings (dont want Richarlison etc.)

    1. Pulisic 4 President
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Adams should start.

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

    I'm back again....
    Watkins or Ings?

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

      To start? Ings

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

      Watkins

      Ings has 1 league goal in 2 months

      1. JONALDINHO
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Scored against Wolves 2 days ago

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

          Yes and fixtures alright

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

        I need to be first mover of something, ie dont really care about past performance

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

    What to do with dcl? Saving wildcard for a while....

    A..bench and play soucek...keep dcl for gw26

    B....straight swap for bamford

    C....get cavani. Means a hit next week for bamford

    Thanks

    1. Igz08
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      I did B

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

      B with next GW in mind. Dont take any hit

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

        Cheers....boring...but sensible

  8. Igz08
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Start two:

    A) Grealish
    B) Soucek
    C) Antonio
    D) Watkins

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

      I think West Ham will get a tough game, Grealish time to deliver. Antonio based on Moyes press not 100%. A + D

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

    Start Digne or Coufal?

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

      Digne

    2. Igz08
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Digne

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

    Choose one for this GW:
    A) Get Barnes for -4
    B) start Bamford or Soucek

    1. Igz08
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Bamford

  11. SHOWSTOPPERRR
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Repost sorry

    So guys based on the injury news I came to a decision need your suggestions though.

    Gw24 dcl Martin to Watkins pope free
    Gw25 save
    Gw 26 Dallas Antonio Pope to 4.5m dgw defender and 4.5 dgw gk and dcl for -4 which will leave me with the team

    Martinez pope
    Cancelo dias digne kwp dallas
    Salah bruno son gundo grealish
    Dcl Watkins bamford

    14 dgw plus bam..so bb 26 and build towards 29 and then wc..

    Seems good to me.Any suggestion guys? TIA.

    1. Christina.
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      and if kane has a double in 26?

      1. SHOWSTOPPERRR
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Should be fine with son only I guess?

        1. Christina.
          • 14 Years
          3 years, 1 month ago

          most will put tc on kane

          1. SHOWSTOPPERRR
            • 6 Years
            3 years, 1 month ago

            Oh yeah thanks for the. Info.. Is there any other potential dgw to bench boost?

  12. Kaptenen
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Cavani, Richarlison or Ings? For a one week punt before WC

    1. WATERMELONS
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Agueroooooooooo?

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

        heh heh heh
        would be great

    2. Holmes
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Richarlison

    3. SHOWSTOPPERRR
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Richarlisin

    4. IAWC ( It's a Wonderfu…
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Richarlison

    5. marcymarc
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      If just one GW, Cavani. Man U prob going heavy artillery this weekend! But like Richarlison idea also Ings but for longer term

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

    Anyone still using BB this week?

    1. Paqueta Rice
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Tempted but Chillwell is my worry. Didn’t feature at all against Barnsley

      1. Paqueta Rice
        • 3 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Which you’d imagine is a good thing but unsure

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

          Yeah Tuchel has been tinkering quite a bit

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

        Rest perhaps?

  14. Netters2018
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    James rod or richarilson?

    1. largeagle
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      JRod

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

      Richarlison

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

    boring!!

    A. Lowton

    or

    B.Tarko the otter

  16. The Royal Robin
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Am I right in thinking Ancelotti didn't mention Digne in his presser? I'm assuming he's not injured?

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

      nothing we can find at all

    2. Now I'm Panicking
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Still flagged - maybe something will be said when the embargoed stuff comes out later, or something in the local press.

      1. Eh, just one more thing ...
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Why do they embargo stuff ...?

        1. Now I'm Panicking
          • 9 Years
          3 years, 1 month ago

          No idea - it's very annoying.

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

      He never mentioned he was injured in the first place, no idea why he was flagged in the first place.

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

    Welp, all of a sudden my team is a hot mess.

    Pope*
    Creswell - Shaw - Digne * (but flagged?) - Cancelo* - Stones*
    Gundo* (c) - Salah - Rashford
    Watkins - Antonio (flagged)

    Areola*, Barnes, Son, DCL*

    1FT, 0.6ITB

    Thoughts?

    1. SHOWSTOPPERRR
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Not a mess dcl to bam

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

        For a visit to Arsenal??

  18. vova
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Good to go?

    Pope
    Dias Stones (VC) Mee Lowton Maguire
    Salah Fernandes Gundogan (C)
    Watkins Antonio
    Martinez Son Anguissa DCL

    1. Stormbringer22
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      triple Burnley, wow! Good luck, gtg

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

        haha I know, fixtures are very good though

  19. Stormbringer22
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    If I am not going to be TC Kane in 26 (since I am BB that week), I pretty much have to TC Sterling this week, don't I? I don't see any other favourable doubles for the big hitters coming up

  20. IAWC ( It's a Wonderfu…
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Play 2:
    A)Grealish
    B)Watkins
    C)Cresswell
    D)Coufal

    1. Stormbringer22
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      C + A/B

    2. Red dev
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Tough but I think A and C

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

      A B

  21. Red dev
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Roll a transfer or swap son or soucek for gundo or foden?

    1. Red dev
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Anyone? Can't decide

  22. anish10
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Anyone keeping Antonio?

    1. Stormbringer22
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      I am, but he will be going out for 26

    2. Eh, just one more thing ...
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      This game week yes ... but I’m packing his bags over the weekend.

    3. SHOWSTOPPERRR
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Almost all who got him..

    4. marcymarc
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Will get rid of him now. He is not confirmed fit even if Moyes press was hawkish and tough schedule. Just struggle to see who i get instead

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

      Keeping for this week and playing. Enough itb to get Ings over him next week.

  23. gomez123
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Only got one fit sub Dallas,(DCL & Justin)is he enough to cover Antonio if he doesn’t start??..Y/N

    1. Eh, just one more thing ...
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Y ... I think he starts in midfield, so I think he’s good enough off the bench if needed. I actually think he might do something and I’m currently starting him ahead of Harvey Barnes (1st sub).

      1. gomez123
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Thanks

  24. Atimis
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Justin to Burnley def and GTG?

    Or something for a hit?

    Martinez
    Cancelo/Stones/Justin*/Coufal
    Salah/Bruno/Grealish/Gundo
    Antonio/Bamford

    Martin/DCL/Robo/Stephens

  25. Eleven Hag
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Bench one plz??

    G)realish
    W)atkins
    C)oufal
    R)afinha

    1. GoodFella93
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      I'd bench Watkins since you have Grealish

      Raphinha second pick for the bench

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

    All set for bench boost?
    Or take another -4 and do Son > Rashford?

    Pope Martinez
    Dias Stones Mee Lowton Coufal
    Salah Fernandes Son Gundogan(C) Soucek
    Bamford Antonio Watkins

  27. Kuzser
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    What would be the best move here guys?
    2ft, 2.6itb
    1) Barnes Justin -> Rash lowton
    2) Dcl Justin -> Cavani Mee, bench Barnes
    3) Dcl Johnstone -> Cavani Pope, bench Barnes

    Team is:
    Martinez
    Stones - Coufal - Cancelo
    Son - Bruno - Sterling - Barnes - Raphinha
    Laca - Antonio

    Johnstone, Justin, Dallas, Dcl

  28. Von Lipwig
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Watkins (bang on form) or Richarlison (double fixtures and may play further up without DCL)?

    1. Eh, just one more thing ...
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      If you have them both, start Rich with two fixtures.

  29. GoodFella93
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Alright lads. Of course I bought Chilwell just before Tuchel came in, and of course I decided to supplement it by bringing in Alonso along side him.

    What the hell to do as a Chilwell + Alonso owner after Alonso started in the cup (taken off at half time tactically) and Chilwell sat the full 90 on the bench.

    Does the start show Alonso's seniority to start vs Newcastle? Is there a chance they both play?

    A) Start Alonso & do Chilwell > Mee (free)
    or
    B) Alonso > Digne & Chilwell > Mee (-4)

  30. ZakyJ
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Im likely to WC next week so have 2FT and lots of funds to use:

    So do the following?

    DCL & Justin > Richarlison & Mee:

    Martinez
    Coufal Stones Cancelo Mee
    Gundo Salah Grealish Bruno
    Antonio* Richarlison

    (Forster Soucek Bamford Allioski)