Team News

FPL injury and team news updates ahead of Blank Gameweek 29

There’s a lot less team news to get through this week, with only eight clubs in Premier League action in Blank Gameweek 29.

We’ve got all the injury latest in our weekly press conference round-up below.

Neale and Andy’s video is also now available to view on YouTube:

For more information, check out our Predicted Line-ups page and Injuries and Bans feed.

ASTON VILLA V TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR

While there is optimism on Bamford’s fitness, there is still a lot of doubt surrounding the availability of Son Heung-min (muscle) for Gameweek 29.

Speaking ahead of Spurs’ ill-fated trip to Croatia on Thursday, Jose Mourinho said of the Korean’s timeframe for recovery:

I don’t know, I don’t know, but of course, no chance for this one.

The Spurs boss looks to be pointing us in the direction of a (potentially tactical) no-show for Gameweek 29, discussing Son’s chances of representing South Korea over the international break:

If a player is injured and cannot play, a friendly or official, it doesn’t matter the match it is. So if we arrived next week and Sonny is injured and we can obviously prove that to the South Korean Football Association, what is he going to do there? Nothing. So if a player cannot play for the club, he cannot play for the country.

Indeed, speaking to the club media later in the day, Mourinho added:

Sonny has no chance for this match, no chance at all. I even feel it’s very doubtful for the weekend. I believe he will need the international break to recover totally.

Annoyingly, we didn’t get an update on Son’s fitness after the defeat in Zagreb.

Spurs otherwise have a fully fit squad for the Aston Villa game, with Giovani Lo Celso making his return from injury in midweek.

As for Aston Villa, Dean Smith said that he was hopeful of Jack Grealish‘s (leg) recovery ahead of the clash with Spurs.

The Villa talisman has been back on the grass this week and described as “pain-free” but Smith did add that Grealish had not even trained with his team-mates as of Friday, saying:

I’m hopeful for Jack. I’ll leave it until Sunday morning. He’s not trained with us at the moment, but he’s pain-free and he’s running. Ultimately, it will be his decision.

I’m hopeful, but if he doesn’t play I can pretty much guarantee he’ll be ready for the Fulham game after the international break. I know Aston Villa fans will be fretting over whether it’s a long-term injury. It’s not a long-term injury. We’ve been guided by Jack, who’s been suffering the pain. We’ll leave it as late as we can.

Bertrand Traore‘s (rib) prognosis is a little more positive, with Smith saying:

Bert is having an injection and he will train on Saturday, so he should be available for selection come Sunday. He got a whack in the rib, took a tumble over the boards and he was in a lot of pain. He went to hospital but thankfully there was no bleed. He’s just had some painkillers for that and he’ll be ready to train Saturday morning.

Wesley is still building back up to full speed and will feature in a bounce game over the international break, while Kortney Hause is similarly in need of match fitness after his own lengthy lay-off.

FULHAM V LEEDS UNITED

Patrick Bamford has a good chance of recovering from a knock to the hip in time for Leeds’ trip to Craven Cottage, although wasn’t pictured in a training ground video on Thursday.

Speaking to the media, Marcelo Bielsa said:

We think that yes, he will play on Friday. He has a knock on his hip that is painful but we don’t think that it’s going to make him miss the game.

Liam Cooper (illness) looks set to miss out on Friday’s match, however, while Leif Davis and Rodrigo are fresh doubts with minor muscle problems picked up in training.

Bielsa added:

Cooper is sick, Davis has a small articulation problem which is nothing serious. Rodrigo had a contracture yesterday in training which I don’t know if he’s going to be available for the game on Friday. Either way, it’s not an important injury.

Cooper had earlier been ruled out of Scotland’s forthcoming World Cup qualifiers by national team coach Steve Clarke, in doing so implying that he has little chance of featuring in Gameweek 29.

His absence would seem to boost the prospects of Pascal Struijk retaining his place at centre-half, with Bielsa confirming that the budget FPL defender had come through his earlier-than-expected return from injury against Chelsea unscathed.

Robin Koch is fit again, but after a lengthy injury lay-off and after only featuring for 45 minutes for the under-23s earlier this week, his manager said the Whites would “have to be careful” about a first-team comeback.

Scott Parker will be able to name an unchanged side for this match, with no new injuries to report from the Fulham camp and Tom Cairney (knee) still sidelined.

Parker said in his pre-match conference call:

The squad’s all good at the moment, no new fresh injury worries. Tom Cairney is still a little bit off so he won’t be involved.

In the written section of his press conference, Scott Parker later confirmed that Bobby De Cordova-Reid (knock/hamstring) – who missed the defeat to Manchester City – would also sit this game out.

BRIGHTON AND HOVE ALBION V NEWCASTLE UNITED

Brighton could be able to call upon Dan Burn for their relegation six-pointer against Newcastle United, with the hamstring injury that forced him off against Southampton not as serious as first feared.

Graham Potter told reporters on Thursday:

He’s responded well. I think he’ll train tomorrow, we’re hopeful he will. So he could be available for the weekend, that’s good news for us.

Striker Aaron Connolly is also an option as a substitute after making a swift recovery from a rib injury – although off-field indiscretions could still cost him a place in the matchday squad.

Tariq Lamptey (hamstring) and Solly March (knee) are long-term absentees, with Adam Webster (foot) not expected back until after the international break.

Allan Saint-Maximin (groin) and Fabian Schar (knee) remain absent ahead of Newcastle’s trip to Brighton but there was positive injury news from the Magpies’ camp to report, with Callum Wilson (hamstring) and Miguel Almiron (knee) both back on the grass.

Steve Bruce told the media:

They’re both back on the grass. We still think with Callum that the international beak is at the right time but he’s well into his rehabilitation, he’s back on the grass.

Almiron trained for the first time yesterday, we’ll see how he is. He’s got a chance – we’ll see.

WEST HAM UNITED V ARSENAL

Saka, Aubameyang return to Arsenal starting XI but Smith Rowe absent from squad

Bukayo Saka will be assessed for hamstring tightness ahead of the trip to West Ham, having been substituted in the north London derby last weekend and then having missed out against Olympiacos.

Mikel Arteta had earlier in the week declared that the young winger was “much better” but his subsequent comments on Thursday were less positive:

We spoke yesterday and he wasn’t ready to be involved today. We made that decision and we will make that decision for Sunday against West Ham, then we will talk to the doctors at the national team to decide what we do.

On Friday morning, Arteta added:

Everybody was fine after the [Olympiacos] game, we will assess them this morning. Regarding [Bukayo Saka], in the next two days, we will know if he is available to play against West Ham and after that we will make the decision on what to do.

Willian had also missed out on Thursday because of a tight calf, with further news awaited on the Brazilian.

Arteta has reiterated that no problem remains with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang after disciplinary issues caused him to sit out the north London derby, saying ahead of the striker’s 90-minute run-out in Europe:

We talked, everything has been resolved in a really positive way so we move forward.

Overlooked Fornals can benefit from West Ham's appealing fixture run

David Moyes said that West Ham’s injury situation remains similar to what it was last weekend, with Pablo Fornals (knock) said to be “improving”.

Longer-term absentees Angelo Ogbonna, Arthur Masuaku and Andriy Yarmolenko aren’t too far away from a return but will sit this one out.

Jesse Lingard is available after being ineligible to face his parent club in Gameweek 28.

1,718 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Shark Team
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 10 days ago

    Some months ago:
    Son hamstring
    Mourinho says he is out of the Europa League game
    Then Mourinho says he is also doubtful for the weekend game
    Son is the most transferred out player
    Then he scores 18pts on Sunday

    4 out of 5 already done this gw...
    Why do I hear boss music?

    1. Tonyawesome69
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 10 days ago

      a lot of pressure after defeat against Arsenal and put out the Europa. If Son is 60-70%, Mourinho will push him to start

      1. JohnnyRev7
        • 13 Years
        3 years, 10 days ago

        And then he's 'fit' and gets to go and play for South Korea... and make his 'injury' worse. I don't think he'll play. Then he gets a two week break so he's raring to go in GW30. It's very good player player management from Mourinho.

        Alternatively, Son's out for 5-6 weeks.

  2. humar816
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 10 days ago

    Will El Mohammady keep his place or is Matty Cash fit to start?

    1. popey
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 10 days ago

      Cash on bench last game so starts this one IMO - he's been a massive loss last few weeks

  3. La Roja
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 10 days ago

    Is this worth -4?

    Son Diagne Ricardo ➡ Bale Watkins Tierney

    1. S.Kuqi
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 10 days ago

      Yes

  4. Tmel
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 10 days ago

    Considering doing these moves for a hit to get me to 10 players and partially help with GW31 & GW 33 too:

    Gundo > Lingard
    Salah > Auba
    Cancelo > Cresswell

    a) All 3 for a hit
    b) Just 2 (if so, which)
    c) Just 1 (if so, which) and save 2FT for GW30

  5. Kane Train
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 10 days ago

    Yay or nay ?

    Soyuncu, Salah & Brewster > Dunk, Bale & Bamford -4

  6. Pukki Party
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 10 days ago

    What to do here? WC or make it through the blank with 2ft?

    A) Use 2ft and field this:

    Martinez
    Coufal Dallas Dier*
    Son* Lingard
    Kane Bamford*

    B) WC to this: *=fixture in 29

    Sanchez*
    Cresswell* Dallas* Cancelo
    Lingard* Bruno Gundo Jota
    Kane* Watkins* Bamford*

    Ederson Robbo Rudiger Neto

    1. Pukki Party
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 10 days ago

      Come on guys can't you see i want justification to ruin my WC

    2. Shark Team
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 10 days ago

      It seems absolutely bad to WC this gw mate.
      Just use your FTs 7-8 players are average, it's not bad

      1. Pukki Party
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 10 days ago

        Do you also think that WC team is inferior to a gw30/31 wildcard team? I think it's pretty well set up for the run in.

        1. Shark Team
          • 6 Years
          3 years, 10 days ago

          Spurs possible DGW32 is not covered by your WC.

          1. Pukki Party
            • 6 Years
            3 years, 10 days ago

            Good point there Shark. Maybe Cancelo to Reguilon

    3. JohnnyRev7
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 10 days ago

      Seen a lot of talk about WC30/31/32. Already spunked mine.

      I can't really see how it's gonna help re fixture change.

      FDR and fixtures went out the window from the start of the season.

  7. manu4life99
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 10 days ago

    A) Start Martinez (Konsa double up)
    B) Start Areola (with Konsa)

    1. Pukki Party
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 10 days ago

      B

  8. Yozzer
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 10 days ago

    Lads what you reckon ?

    Out
    A KDB
    B Salah

    In
    1 Bale
    2 Lingard

    No wildcard left. Will FH in 33 . Thanks

    1. S.Kuqi
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 10 days ago

      B2

    2. popey
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 10 days ago

      imagine asking that question a few months ago!!

      1. popey
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 10 days ago

        B2 though

      2. Yozzer
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 10 days ago

        Lol yes. Insane

        Thank you both

  9. S.Kuqi
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 10 days ago

    Play

    A) Martinez
    B) Areola
    C) Doesn't matter cos both get max 3 points

    1. Weak Become Heros
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 10 days ago

      Probably C isnt it.

    2. The Mighty Hippo
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 10 days ago

      B

  10. Kane Train
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 10 days ago

    Which one?

    A) Antonio + Dallas
    B) Bamford + Dunk

    1. S.Kuqi
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 10 days ago

      B

    2. Clintymints
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 10 days ago

      Gota get on Brighton def

  11. Clintymints
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 10 days ago

    A. Antonio and Reguilon

    Or

    B. Tierney and Watkins

    Which combo to play?

    1. Weak Become Heros
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 10 days ago

      A

  12. Kitman
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 10 days ago

    for the next 3 weeks;

    Bale or Lingard
    Antonio or Watkins

    Cheers!

    1. Weak Become Heros
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 10 days ago

      The West Ham boys

  13. Manani
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 10 days ago

    will WC31, who to get? money left over will sit in bank anyway

    A. Auba
    B. Bale
    C. Lingard

    (already have Son + Kane)

  14. S.Kuqi
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 10 days ago

    Not sure how did I end up selling both Gundog and Cancelo...lol

    1. Konstaapeli
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 10 days ago

      Think I'll join you.

  15. Weak Become Heros
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 10 days ago

    Anyone worried Bamford not spotted in training?

    1. Pukki Blinders
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 10 days ago

      Fear mongering

      1. Weak Become Heros
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 10 days ago

        Read the article, pal.

        Patrick Bamford has a good chance of recovering from a knock to the hip in time for Leeds’ trip to Craven Cottage, although wasn’t pictured in a training ground video on Thursday.

        1. JohnnyRev7
          • 13 Years
          3 years, 10 days ago

          Bielsa says Rodrigo's a doubt as well.

          So let's all play spot the Leeds centre forward.

          Dallas?

  16. Hansel
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 10 days ago

    Keep Digne or Cancelo?

    Buy Dunk or Tierney?

    No FH

    1. Ha.
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 10 days ago

      I wouldn't want Dunk longterm

      Cancelo with Pep roulette and BGW 33

  17. Matt Sk
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 10 days ago

    Anyone else considering Lookman?

    1. Weak Become Heros
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 10 days ago

      Yes, its between him or Raph I am bringing in. I prefer Raphs fixture in 20 v Shef United.

    2. Pukki Blinders
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 10 days ago

      Yes

    3. DaisyDaisyDaisyDaisy
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 10 days ago

      First sub

  18. Ha.
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 10 days ago

    Captain:

    1. Kane.
    2. Auba
    3. JLingz

    1. Weak Become Heros
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 10 days ago

      3 live a little.

  19. tabby98
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 10 days ago

    Martinez (Johnstone)
    Dallas, Reguilon (Cancelo, Stones, Digne)
    Raphinha, Lingard, Son* (Bruno, Gundo)
    Kane, Bamford, Antonio

    Any transfers worth taking a hit for?

  20. 272MK
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 10 days ago

    Kane for captaincy.

    But Bambam the away day specialist is my vice.
    If Kane dont play why captain Bale? Attacking threat might be lower?
    Scared of any covid incident too

    1. Qaiss
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 10 days ago

      Why would kane not play

  21. Pukki Blinders
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 10 days ago

    For the next 2 games who would you rather bring in

    A. Trossard
    B. Veltman

    1. GE
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 10 days ago

      A

  22. HD7
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 10 days ago

    Buying Raphinha with one of my FT. Auba or Lingard with the other free transfer?

    Heard Auba played full 90mins yesterday?

    1. Pukki Party
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 10 days ago

      JLingz, rested

  23. GE
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 10 days ago

    WC 30 or 31?
    Only reason to wait for 31 because of Leeds against Sheff Utd?

    1. Pukki Blinders
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 10 days ago

      31

      1. GE
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 10 days ago

        Why? 🙂

    2. sunzip14
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 10 days ago

      Not only that. Villa vs Fulham and Spurs vs Newcastle. The prime targets to get also do not have great fixtures, Pool vs Arsenal, Leicester vs City etc...

  24. Corona is not good 4 U
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 10 days ago

    Which transfers you would do?

    1) McCarthy to Sánchez for - 4
    2) Digne to Dallas for - 4
    3) Salah to Lingard for - 4
    4) Vydra to Lacazette for - 4

    Thank you!

  25. G Banger
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 10 days ago

    Arghhhh, can't decide who to pick (WC WK31)....

    a) Tierney
    b) Regullian

    1. My neck my back my Saed Kol…
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 10 days ago

      Tierney definitely

    2. sunzip14
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 10 days ago

      B

  26. Bubbles1985
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 10 days ago

    RMFH please? 3.3m left itb with this:

    Sanchez
    Dunk Dallas Reguillon
    Lingz(vc) Auba Raph Bale
    Kane(c) Antonio Bamford

    Martinez Lookman Veltman Cresswell

    Still have WC and TC left to play...

    Thanks and GL!

    1. pjomara
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 10 days ago

      Looks solid.

  27. pjomara
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 10 days ago

    Rate my FH Team:

    Martinez
    Tierney, Cresswell, Aina, Targett
    Raph, Lookman, Lingard
    Antonio (C), Kane, Watkins

    Any obvious oversights?

    1. My neck my back my Saed Kol…
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 10 days ago

      Need a Brighton defender id say. Not massively keen on Watkins without grealish

      1. pjomara
        • 13 Years
        3 years, 10 days ago

        thanks, just looking at Villa there - have scored either 0 or 1 in last 8 games so will find better attacker

        1. My neck my back my Saed Kol…
          • 9 Years
          3 years, 10 days ago

          No worries. I've got Watkins on my bench and playing 5 in midfield as money isn't a problem on this free hit.

          1. Ha.
            • 8 Years
            3 years, 10 days ago

            Worth noting how poor Spurs have been defensively though. And Watkins gets loads of chances.

            1. @persecuted_by_mods
                3 years, 10 days ago

                *When Grealish plays

                1. Ha.
                  • 8 Years
                  3 years, 10 days ago

                  Watkins has still had plenty of chances the last 5 GWs

      2. Ha.
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 10 days ago

        No Brighton defence is interesting.... as is double Villa defence

      3. Bubbles1985
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 10 days ago

        Antonio captain, love it!

        Tempted by Lingard myself

      4. Jambot
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        3 years, 10 days ago

        The pool of players is so small that you have probably considered any changes I would suggest and reached your own conclusions anyway, but for what it's worth:

        I don't get the Lookman pick myself. Yes Bale/Auba don't look as good as we would have hoped but why turn to a guy who has returned once in his last 11 matches? Auba and Bale have it in them to do something big - does lookman? You are also essentially playing Aina over Auba/Bale even Trossard. It's probably a low scoring gameweek but you have to try and catch a haul becuse that will be the difference maker I don't look at that team and see much potential for a double digity haul anywhere. I think Dallas is better than anyone in your current back 4.

        Basically that team makes me feel a bit sad

      5. pjomara
        • 13 Years
        3 years, 10 days ago

        Great feedback all, thanks. This is what the scout forum is all about!

    2. richarlison2348
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 10 days ago

      Bottomed.
      De Bruyne to Aubameyang or Gundogan to Lingard?
      WC in 31

    3. yamms_schmitz
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 10 days ago

      Help needed please

      A - Salah out Bale in
      B - Salah out Auba in
      C - Son out Bale in

      NOTE: I am using the wildcard in GW31

      1. moz_1983
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 10 days ago

        I'd say A or B, there's still an off chance Son may play which means you'll have two potential Spurs mids (if you bring Bale in). I'd say A.

    4. moz_1983
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 10 days ago

      As it stands, I honly have Bale and Raph in my midfield, so I need to take a -4 to bring someone in. Who would be your choice as a midfield priority punt?

      1. moz_1983
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 10 days ago

        Thinking Auba / Lingardinho / Soucek...?