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. nadman89
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 9 days ago

    would you take a -8 to have a full squad of

    areola
    dallas coufal targett
    auba bale lingard raph
    watkins kane bamford

    forster lewis bruno awb

  2. Radzio
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 9 days ago

    Still everyone captaing Kane? After 120mins yesterday?

    Thinking about Trossard or Raphinha myself,brave or too risky?

    1. Bushwhacker
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 9 days ago

      I'm actually thinking Lacazette or Dunk!

  3. PortisRed
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 9 days ago

    Bench 1

    1.Dawson
    2.Konsa
    3.Tierney

    1. PascalCygan
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 9 days ago

      2

  4. G Banger
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 9 days ago

    Quick poll, who would you rather have this GW:

    a) Bale
    b) Auba

    1. Zladan
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 9 days ago

      Bale as he is more likely of the 2 to play.

  5. Ibralicious
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 9 days ago

    My final polling q of the GW. Best defender for this GW alone? (WC'ing 31)

    A) Dunk
    B) Cresswell
    C) Tierney

    Cheers!

    1. PascalCygan
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 9 days ago

      That's tough. I'd maybe say B. But A is close.

    2. Ha.
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 9 days ago

      A

  6. PascalCygan
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 9 days ago

    Quite tempted to go for Trossard instead of Lingard. RMT agrees.

    If I've got a Brighton defender too, is that too much Brighton?!

    1. frenchfries
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 9 days ago

      Are you WCing? Lingard better moving forward

      1. PascalCygan
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 9 days ago

        Probably will do WC31, not ruled out WC34. So it could be easily fixed.

        1. Eleven Hag
          • 6 Years
          3 years, 9 days ago

          Why WC34 when fixtures swing in GW31?

          1. PascalCygan
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 6 Years
            3 years, 9 days ago

            Just a thought, as I say, I'll probably do 31. Get more value of it. Just 33 could be tricky to navigate.

  7. frenchfries
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 9 days ago

    Who do you prefer?

    A) Bale
    B) Aubameyang

    1. PascalCygan
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 9 days ago

      Bale

    2. pjomara
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 9 days ago

      50:50
      Bale more likely to start, but Spurs have had 2 demoralising defeats and missing Son.
      Auba more likely to score but could be benched seeing he played 90 in midweek while Lacazette was rested. Auba did get a 'rest' last weekend though.

      1. nadman89
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 9 days ago

        auba didnt play at all last weekend , with an international break coming cant see the captain being benched at all

    3. DannyDrinkVodka
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 9 days ago

      He might be benched but B is still better

  8. FPL FAN
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 9 days ago

    Lads, please give me some advice.

    I have 6 players available for this BGW, with 1 FT. With all chips on the shelf, should i use freehit or just save?

    1. sunzip14
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 9 days ago

      Which 6?

      1. FPL FAN
        • 3 Years
        3 years, 9 days ago

        Martinez, Dallas, Coufal, Raphinha, Bamford, Watkins

  9. Ohh1454
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 9 days ago

    Odegaard or trossard ?

    1. La Roja
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 9 days ago

      Odegaard

    2. Zladan
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 9 days ago

      Trossard.

  10. Tango74
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 9 days ago

    Does lacca start ?

    1. Miguel Sanchez
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 9 days ago

      Yes

    2. The Ilfordian
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 9 days ago

      Just checking a few sites and there are more seeming to think that Laca starts ahead of Aubameyang . Definitely a risk

      https://www.google.co.uk/amp/s/dailycannon.com/2021/03/how-arsenal-could-line-up-against-west-ham-united/amp/

  11. LABILLETHEGOAT
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 9 days ago

    when are you guys using your WC?

    1. how now brown cow
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 9 days ago

      31

    2. Well you know, Triffic
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 9 days ago

      6.29pm

  12. balint84
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 9 days ago

    2

  13. iL PiStOlErO
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 9 days ago

    Salah to Bale(-4)?

    Sanchez* Pope
    Dallas* Coufal* Targett* Dias Cancelo
    Raphinha* Soucek* Salah Bruno Gundo
    Kane* Bambford* Watkins*

    1. iL PiStOlErO
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 9 days ago

      Or maybe Salah to Auba?

    2. Zladan
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 9 days ago

      Yes

  14. Nice to Finally Michu
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 9 days ago

    Bamford expected to start?

    1. @persecuted_by_mods
        3 years, 9 days ago

        Can't be 100% but seems likely, dark horse captain choice if the first Leeds Fulham game is anything to go by

        1. Nice to Finally Michu
          • 10 Years
          3 years, 9 days ago

          Cheers

        2. Bushwhacker
          • 4 Years
          3 years, 9 days ago

          Totally different Fulham team.

          1. In a Rush
            • 7 Years
            3 years, 9 days ago

            This they are different beast altogether now.

    2. Tinfoil Deathstar
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 9 days ago

      What is the best option here? Already moved Stones -> Cresswell. One FT left.

      Martinez (Fabri)
      Burn - White - Reguillon - Cresswell (Dias)
      Son - Raph (Bruno, Salah, Gundo)
      Kane - Maja (DCL)

      A) DCL -> Antonio/Bamford
      B) Gundo -> Lingard
      C) Salah -> Auba

      A and C would leave enough funds to transfer Burn out for Alonso/Azpi for GW30. B wouldn't, although could just move Salah to Lingard instead.

      1. JohnnyRev7
        • 13 Years
        3 years, 9 days ago

        B

    3. Mane Mane Mane
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 9 days ago

      What’s the order on who scores more
      A) Dunk
      B) Lingard
      C) Auba

      1. Bushwhacker
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 9 days ago

        That.

    4. Blue&White85
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 9 days ago

      Best option? Wildcarding 31 so it's a short term move.

      A. Salah to Bale (-4) - have Kane & Son
      B. Salah to Aubameyang (-4)
      C. DCL to Antonio (-4)
      d. Keep Salah / DCL and no hit.

    5. b91jh
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 9 days ago

      Can anyone stop me from doing DCL to Maupay for a hit...

    6. Ci Siamo
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 9 days ago

      What to do this week?

      a) Roll transfer and field 8

      b) Son to Lingard and field 9

      Thanks

      1. bitm2007
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 9 days ago

        Tricky, I'd do B assuming you've got a strong 8 unless you want Son back.

    7. how now brown cow
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 9 days ago

      A - Meslier
      B - Martinez

      1. JohnnyRev7
        • 13 Years
        3 years, 9 days ago

        Do you hold both?

        I only hold Emi and despite his fixtures past/future he's my season keeper. Literally. 🙂

    8. Nightf0x
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 9 days ago

      Target dalas raphinha kane bamford, which? 2 ft

      A) FH, i have all chips still
      B) pickford salah dcl -4 to sanchez bale/lingard/trosard antonio
      C) 2 ft only no -4.

    9. bitm2007
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 9 days ago

      Would you FH this ? RMT has the Scout Picks as a 15 point advantage over doing Salah to Auba.

      Martinez
      Veltman, Struijk
      Raphina, SON
      Kane, Watkins, BAMFORD

      McCarthy, Shaw, Dias, Rudiger, Salah, Bruno

      1 ft, 0.3M itb

      A) FT
      B) Salah to Auba
      C) Salah to Bale
      D) Salah and Son to Auba and Bale for a hit.
      E) Salah and Bruno to Auba and Bale for a hit (would lose a 0.5 TV on Bruno)
      F) Other what

    10. Ian Davis
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 9 days ago

      Best alternative captain to Kane? I’m currently thinking maybe Watkins or Lingard.

      1. HD7
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 9 days ago

        Raphina maybe

    11. b91jh
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 9 days ago

      Only considering this week... (could bench anyone for gw30)

      A) Gundo to Lingard -4
      B) Gundo to Trossard -4
      C) DCL to Maupay -4
      D) DCL to Watkins -4
      E) Bank FT with 9 bgw players

    12. HD7
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 9 days ago

      2FT:
      Mates, which two players would you get for 29?

      Buy Lingard and Raphinha?

      Already have:
      Martinez, Regulion, Son*, Kane, Bamford* + Bissouma, Strujik

      Wildcarding in 30,31

    13. smix
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 9 days ago

      Martinez
      Dunk Cresswell Dallas
      Bale Son* Lingard Trossard Raph
      Kane Watkins
      Martin Konsa Cancelo DCL

      Already on a -12. Best differential captain punt ?

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

      A- Gundogan -> Lingard (-4)
      B- Son-> Aubameyang (-4)
      C- None
      Start-
      1-Emi
      2-Sanchez
      (Already own Dunk)

    15. how now brown cow
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 9 days ago

      Lingard
      Odegaard
      Trossard

      Highest scoring -ard this week?

    16. Twisted Saltergater
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 9 days ago

      Am going to go with 10. -8 taken.

      Martinez
      Dallas - Dunk
      El Ghazi - Auba - JLingz - Raphinha
      Kane - Bamford - Antonio

    17. pingissimus
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 9 days ago

      The bottom 4 on FPL Stats is hilarious

      Mo -237
      Son -171
      Gundo -107
      Bruno -103

      1. Well you know, Triffic
        • 13 Years
        3 years, 9 days ago

        Wow. That must be skewed by freehit though?

        1. pingissimus
          • 5 Years
          3 years, 9 days ago

          Wildly so I'd imagine

          Not seen anyone on here for instance so much as mention Bruno out