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. Bubbles1985
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 10 days ago

    Is it worth having both Bale and Son on FH then start Son?

    If he doesn't play Bale should slot straight in, if he does he will be a good differential.

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

      Chance he may come on for the last 10 if they're loosing or drawing. I'm not convinced

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

        True.

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

        He starts or doesn't play at all imo. Being on the squad means he will have to go for Intn'l duty.

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

          Yeah fair point.

  2. Stranger Mings
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 10 days ago

    captain Kane for me, is lingard Best option for VC?

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

    Is Moura one random free hit punt too far?

    1. Indpush
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 10 days ago

      Nope. I'm getting him in. Considering, Bale Moura Kane

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

        Yeah I've gone for the exact same treble up. Don't really fancy their defence.

        1. Tango74
          • 3 Years
          3 years, 10 days ago

          Hope you have no villa defence

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

            Nah, no fun having 3 attackers against your own defence. The games all about fun in the end

      2. Tango74
        • 3 Years
        3 years, 10 days ago

        Odegaard looks better punt if you have Kane

        Not sure how spurs are going to be after Europa

        Looking at bale his goals came against bad defences

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

          Got him too. He's looked really bright the last few games so is a nice little punt.

          1. Tango74
            • 3 Years
            3 years, 10 days ago

            Great Minds think alike 🙂

            If you an arsenal fan ??

            Lacca punt???

    2. dylano21
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 10 days ago

      Have him, hope for the best

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

        Nice one. You too. Although being an arsenal fan I hope they get battered. 5-4 would be nice.

        1. dylano21
          • 6 Years
          3 years, 10 days ago

          Let's hope for an Arsenal win. Have Tierney and Lacazette

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

            Big time. I've got tierney as well but gone for yang and Odegaard instead. hopefully they all bang.

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

    Is this worth -4?

    Gundo, Salah & Cancelo > Lingard, Auba & Cresswell?

    1. Jack Burton
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 10 days ago

      I'm thinking the same

  5. Drexl Spivey
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 10 days ago

    I'd be a bit of a party pooper not to take a hit to field 11 players, wouldn't I?

    (Granted, one of these players would be Bamford)

  6. Gunners in Haaland
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 10 days ago

    Dias/Salah/Son -> Dunk/Lingard/Bale (-4)?

    1. Big Al Stankovic
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 10 days ago

      Spare the son transfer.

  7. umerlfc
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 10 days ago

    DCL - > Bamford for free?

    Don't have FH or WC

    1. Drexl Spivey
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 10 days ago

      Yip.

  8. checkit_j
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 10 days ago

    G2G?

    Areola
    Targett - Burn - Dallas
    Raph - Auba - Lingard - Son*
    Bamford*- Antonio - Watkins

  9. dylano21
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 10 days ago

    Play 2 )

    A)Lingard
    B) Bamford
    C) Cresswel
    D) Trossard

    1. balint84
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 10 days ago

      Ab

    2. Taegugk Warrior
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 10 days ago

      AD

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

    Cresswell, Dunk or reguilon?

  11. balint84
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 10 days ago

    Grealish ir Grosss?

  12. The Red Devil
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 10 days ago

    which?
    A- son + cancelo -> Aubameyang + dunk (-4)
    B- son + cancelo -> lingard + Cresswell (-4)
    C- cancelo -> Cresswell/dunk
    D- cancelo + gundogan -> dunk+ lingard (-4)

  13. shady4revr
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 10 days ago

    Martinez
    Struijk blank blank
    Raphinha Son Blank Blank
    Kane Antonio Bamford
    Walton Blank Blank Blank

    2 free transfers
    1 Trosssard and Auba
    2 Lingard and Auna
    3 Dunk and Aina
    4 Dunk and Auba
    5 Dunk and Trossard
    6 Your Opinion.

  14. Babelcopter
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 10 days ago

    Wow I’m actually going to use just 1ft and bank another. FH still left.

    1. Big Al Stankovic
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 10 days ago

      How many players?

  15. Ian Davis
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 10 days ago

    On FH - play Trossard or Antonio?

    1. Big Al Stankovic
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 10 days ago

      Trossard

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

      Trossard. You can play Antonio other weeks 😉

  16. seanie3
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 10 days ago

    You just know Jose will play Son as under serious pressure now to get a result, can't lose again... watch Son then get injured again or come off early so as he then misses the games over the International break as Jose will not want Son playing for his country over that time

  17. Big Al Stankovic
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 10 days ago

    Martinez/Areola
    Konsa, Coufal
    Soucek, Rafinha
    Kane, Bamford

    1. Use ft to get 8 players
    A) Salah —> Bale
    B) Stones —> Reguillon/Dallas

    2. FH this lot!

    1. FPL Alaska
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 10 days ago

      You gonna play Martinez or Areola? I am struggling to decide myself.

      1. Big Al Stankovic
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 10 days ago

        Probably Martinez, but that’s a toin coss.

        Would go for Sanchez or Lloris gk if I decide to FH.

        Suggestion on only fielding 8 players, or push the FH button?

        1. FPL Alaska
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 9 Years
          3 years, 10 days ago

          I would probably save the FH.

  18. Pedaso Pirates
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 10 days ago

    If I do Son to Bale and Dier to Dallas (both free) I can field 7:

    Martinez
    Cresswell, Dallas
    Bale, Raphinha
    Kane (C), Watkins

    Are Bamford or Lingard worth -4?

    1. Big Al Stankovic
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 10 days ago

      Dont take out your Spurs players, they could all play this gw.

  19. Slitherene
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 10 days ago

    Martinez | Forster
    Reguilon Veltman Coufal
    Son* Auba Saka* Lingard
    Kane Bamford Antonio
    ¦ Holding Cancelo Bruno

    A) Son -> Bale (-4)
    B) Saka -> Raphinha (-4)

  20. sirmorbach
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 10 days ago

    Martínez / Forster
    Dias / Stones / Cresswell / Dunk /  Dallas
    Salah / Bruno / Gündogan / Raphinha / Soucek
    Kane / Antonio / Watkins

    Any hit needed/worth it here, friends? WC available

  21. Ohh1454
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 10 days ago

    Which ?
    A. Odegaard
    B. Antonio and auba (-4)

    1. Big Al Stankovic
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 10 days ago

      A

  22. PascalCygan
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 10 days ago

    Would you sell Gundo or Salah first?

    I think I'm on Gundo, even though I've got more money tied up in him. Salah keeps disappointing but I think I'll want him for his nice upcoming fixtures.

    Thinking Gundo to Lingard and maybe Stones to Dunk/Veltman for free?

    Would give me 11 (including Son and Bamford, so probably not)

    2FT 0.5ITB
    Martinez
    Reguilon Dallas Coufal
    Raphinha Son*
    Kane Watkins Bamford*

    McCarthy Fernandes Salah Gundogan Stones Cancelo

    Thanks!

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

    Auba or Lingard for 1 GW?

    1. PascalCygan
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 10 days ago

      Lingard given Auba's minutes on Thursday and general uncertainty. And Lingard's stats are good.

  24. Futureform
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 10 days ago

    Tactical help needed!!

    If you're wildcarding next week, should you -4pts on every blank player this week, on the basis they'll each at least bring you back 2pts and potentially more.

    It doesn't matter if you unbalance your team, because of next week's wildcard.

    And the hit in effect is less this week, thus it's worth risking more?

  25. Super John McGinn-
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 10 days ago

    Any suggestions? Wildcarding 31

    Martinez (Pope)
    Dallas, Burn* (Dias, Digne, Lowton)
    Son*, Raphinia (KDB, Bruno, Gundo)
    Kane (C), Bamford (DCL)

    2 FT

    A) Son + Lowton > Bale + Veltman
    B) KDB + Lowton > Bale + Cresswell
    C) Lowton + Digne > Reguilion + Dunk
    D) Other

  26. Heisenberg W. W.
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 10 days ago

    Which player should be the priority:

    1. Antonio
    2. Bale
    3. Trossard

    I have WC for later

  27. marcos11
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 10 days ago

    Best option on FH?
    a) Reguilon
    b) Dallas
    c) Tierney

  28. Kabayan
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 10 days ago

    DCL - Digne - Barnes to Watkins - Dallas - JLing for (-4). Would give me total 8 players this week (i hope)
    Yes or No?

  29. Indpush
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 10 days ago

    Any changes to make to this FH team?

    Dubravka
    Dunk Dallas Cresswell
    Lindgard, Odegarde, Moura, Bale
    Antonio Kane (C) Laca

    Aereola Raphina, White, Joachim

  30. Plagued by indecision
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 10 days ago

    I've sorted my XI for -4. WC31, FH33. What say ye?

    Martinez
    Targett / Dallas / Dunk
    Odegaard / Bale(c) / Lookman / Raphinha
    Bamford / Kane / Antonio(vc)

    "Subs": Pope / Stones / Shaw / Bruno