Team News

FPL injury and team news updates as Smith rules Grealish out of GW31

We round up the latest Premier League injury news ahead of Gameweek 31 in our weekly press conference summary.

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

A video recap with Neale and Andy can be viewed at the bottom of this piece.

LIVERPOOL V ASTON VILLA

Jack Grealish (£7.5m) looks set for more time on the sidelines as he suffered another setback in his recovery from a shin injury.

The Aston Villa midfielder was targetting a comeback against Liverpool on Saturday afternoon but is still unable to train fully.

“Myself and Jack were quite optimistic to get him back a little bit sooner than he probably should and he’s had a setback that will probably put him back at least a couple of weeks. We’ll see how he is but it’s unlikely he’ll be back for a few weeks. He was really good in training, but he couldn’t tolerate the loading. It’s a loading injury and we have to de-load him over the next couple of weeks and get him back from there. We know it’s not a long-term injury and he will be back.” – Dean Smith

The Reds don’t have any fresh worries – although fatigue could be a factor after midweek exertions.

“To be 100% honest, we don’t know yet. We played on Tuesday, flew back on Wednesday, trained yesterday. Some players still felt the game. Injured… is nobody from the game. We have to see what we make of the information they give us today.

“Nobody is injured but if we have to change something, you will see tomorrow.” – Jurgen Klopp

MANCHESTER CITY v LEEDS UNITED

There was very little from Pep Guardiola on the team news front, with City injury-free.

Instead, he hailed the contribution of Ruben Dias (£6.2m) and the new contract for Kevin De Bruyne (£11.9m).

“[Dias] has been so important so far. Still, you have two months before the end of the season, but he has been so important for the continuity and leadership and for the quality when he has played.

I am glad Kevin who has the world in his hands and can play for anyone, decides to stay with us. It’s a big compliment for Manchester City.” – Pep Guardiola

The City boss had previously warned us that he wanted fresh legs “more than ever” for this clash with Leeds, however, so rotation could be about to bite.

Ahead of travelling to the Etihad Stadium, Leeds have no new injuries to worry about although they will still be short a key option on the flanks.

Jack Harrison (£5.4m) is ineligible to face his parent club so will miss out on Gameweek 31.

WEST HAM UNITED V LEICESTER CITY

Michail Antonio (£6.7m) looks set to miss the visit of Leicester City and joins Declan Rice (£4.7m) on the sidelines this weekend.

We’ve obviously had a couple of injuries and I don’t think Mick is going to make this game but I think, apart from that, we’re not too bad.

I won’t give you any more information on Declan Rice, to be honest. I will just say he has got an injury as everybody is aware and we’ll try and get him back as quick as we can. We don’t want to put any timescale on it.

Caglar Söyüncü (£5.3m) remains unavailable for Leicester following his positive coronavirus test, with Harvey Barnes (£6.7m) also out.

James Maddison (£7.1m) may not be ready for a starting XI return, with Brendan Rodgers explaining in his Friday press conference that the midfielder is “a bit away from where his level would be”.

SHEFFIELD UNITED V ARSENAL

Following confirmation that Kieran Tierney (£5.3m) is out until May, Mikel Arteta revealed on Thursday that Martin Ødegaard (£6.0m) was likely to miss Sunday’s meeting with Sheffield United.

“We don’t know, he wasn’t able to play today and he will be out I think for the next game or two. But we don’t know yet.” – Mikel Arteta

With Ødegaard unlikely to play, Bukayo Saka (£5.2m) and Emile Smith Rowe (£4.2m) are both sure to be involved against the Blades.

“I think (Saka and Smith Rowe) were both really good, obviously they haven’t played much football in recent weeks and they struggled to finish the game, but I think overall they both had a good game.” – Mikel Arteta

Sander Berge (£4.9m), Billy Sharp (£5.5m), Chris Basham (£4.6m) and Jack O’Connell (£4.7m) remain sidelined for the Blades but George Baldock (£4.9m) and Jayden Bogle (£4.3m) are back in training after serving their six-day concussion protocols. 

TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR V MANCHESTER UNITED

During his post-match press conference on Thursday night, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer explained he had to withdraw Luke Shaw (£5.3m) against Granada to protect him from an injury.

“I had to protect Luke. But I think and hope he should be okay for the weekend.” – Ole Gunnar Solskjaer

Meanwhile, Marcus Rashford (£9.5m) is expected to be ready for the meeting with Spurs and Paul Pogba (£7.6m) has a minor issue to overcome.

“He’s not recovered from it and hopefully, it’s not got any worse from this because he lasted 70 against Brighton, 65 now, so hopefully he’s ready. I think he should be ready on Sunday. Hopefully, they’ll [all] be okay. Of course, Marcus [Rashford], as we spoke about, his foot is a bit sore, so we didn’t want to aggravate that too much. Apart from that, Paul [Pogba] had a little niggle but he should be okay.” – Ole Gunnar Solskjaer

Ben Davies (£4.6m) and Matt Doherty (£5.6m) remain Spurs’ only absenteees.

FULHAM V WOLVERHAMPTON WANDERERS

Since their 3-2 defeat to West Ham on Monday night, nothing has changed in the Wolves camp on the injury front.

Willy Boly (£5.4m) will miss Friday’s trip to Fulham as he continues to self-isolate until Tuesday following a positive coronavirus (COVID-19) test.

Meanwhile, João Moutinho (£5.2m) is still “not at 100 per cent” and will face a late fitness test.

Fulham have not picked up any new injury concerns ahead of meeting Wolves, Ademola Lookman (£5.0m) managing to train this week.

“Everything is fine in terms of (injuries). (Lookman) trained today, he’s looking okay in that situation. Hopefully will be fine for tomorrow.” – Scott Parker

BURNLEY V NEWCASTLE UNITED

Owners of Burnley defensive assets might be somewhat wary of the latest news coming out of Newcastle. 

Callum Wilson (£6.5m) and Allan Saint-Maximin (£5.1m) are both available for the Gameweek 31 trip to Turf Moor

“Callum and Allan will be in the squad. [Whether or not I start them] that’s the big decision I have to make. I’m mindful of the fact that both of them have had muscle injuries which you’ve always got to box carefully with. But I’m also wary that we’ve only got six weeks of the season left.” – Steve Bruce

Meanwhile, Jamaal Lascelles (£4.2m) misses out with a foot injury, Federico Fernández (£4.7m) is likely to be involved and Ryan Fraser‘s (£5.6m) groin problem has not improved.

“It’s not looking so good [for Lascelles] at the moment, he’s going to have more scans today and over the weekend. He won’t play this weekend, that’s for sure.” – Steve Bruce

Sean Dyche confirmed that Phil Bardsley (£4.4m) comes back into the thinking after compassionate leave but the Clarets are still without Ashley Barnes (£6.0m), Kevin Long (£4.3m) and Robbie Brady (£5.0m) fit.

On Erik Pieters (£4.3m), the Burnley head coach said:

“Erik has trained today so we’re expecting him to be OK.” – Sean Dyche

WEST BROMWICH ALBION V SOUTHAMPTON

Southampton are largely injury-free compared to earlier in the campaign. There are no new updates on any of the existing long-term absentees and no new major problems either.

However, Kyle Walker-Peters (£4.7m) has a minor leg issue that Ralph Hasenhüttl will have to assess ahead of Monday’s meeting with West Bromwich Albion.

“No [new injuries] so far. We had two half-sessions today, Kyle [Walker-Peters] had a little problem with his leg, the rest are quite fit.” – Ralph Hasenhüttl

Saints’ upcoming opponents West Brom experienced mixed news on the injury front.

Dara O’Shea (£4.2m) is likely to be involved on Monday night while Branislav Ivanovic (£4.4m) is set for an extended spell on the sidelines.

“Dara [O’Shea] is looking very good for the Southampton game. We’ve got that extra couple of days with the game being on a Monday instead of a Saturday, which is a big help in terms of him playing. Branislav [Ivanovic] will be out for a long time, we think. We will have to assess it week-by-week, but certainly at the moment it looks like it’s going to be a long period.” – Sam Allardyce

BRIGHTON AND HOVE ALBION V EVERTON

Adam Webster (£4.3m) and Dan Burn (£4.2m) could be involved against Everton on Monday night, although both require assessment before Graham Potter can include them in his next matchday squad.

Everton will be without André Gomes (£5.3m) and Jordan Pickford (£4.8m) at the Amex Stadium although they will welcome Alex Iwobi (£5.9m) back.

Meanwhile, Allan (£5.2m) requires some assessment and could be involved.

“Gomes is not available. We are checking Allan. He trained normally this morning. But we have three days to wait to see how it goes. Maybe he can be available.” – Carlo Ancelotti

“Iwobi will be available. Pickford started training this week but I think is not 100%. We don’t want to take a risk for this game. Delph and Bernard are following their individual programme.” – Carlo Ancelotti

CRYSTAL PALACE v CHELSEA

Thomas Tuchel said on Friday that Chelsea were at “full fitness” heading into Saturday’s match against Crystal Palace, although Thiago Silva (£5.6m) will sit this one out through suspension.

The Eagles will have to face Chelsea without loanee Michy Batshuayi (£5.7m), who is ineligible to face his parent club.

James McArthur (£5.2m), Nathan Ferguson (£3.8m), James Tomkins (£4.4m)and Mamadou Sakho (£4.4m) remain absent while Nathaniel Clyne (£4.5m) is due back in training next week.

James McCarthy (£4.3m) is fit, however.


1,602 Comments Post a Comment
  1. #Swish41
    • 13 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Who are we captaining then gang, Mo or Kane?

    I’m currently on Mo, despite lack of recent returns...

    1. Thomas Magnum
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Mo, think he’s due

      1. #Swish41
        • 13 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        Let’s hope so! Great fixtures as well to come...

    2. Balls of Steel
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Sterling

      1. #Swish41
        • 13 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        Ballsy indeed!

        1. Balls of Steel
          • 8 Years
          2 years, 11 months ago

          🙂

      2. JONALDINHO
        • 6 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        Same here. Did KDB to him. Hopefully it pays off!

        1. #Swish41
          • 13 Years
          2 years, 11 months ago

          YOLO I guess 🙂

      3. Utopsis
        • 4 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        This

    3. CAP
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Going Mo as well

    4. Goodfeathers
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Sterling

  2. FantasyTony
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Cancelo and Dallas > Trent and Phillips

    A) Yay
    B) Nay

    1. Pompey5
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Yay

    2. Thomas Magnum
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      I would

    3. Carefree Crew
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Rotation Cancelo, Fixtures Dallas makes sense.
      Yay.

    4. Utopsis
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Locks you out of Salah + Jota, otherwise go for it!

  3. Burger
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    How long is Antonio out for?

    1. Thomas Magnum
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Possibly the season

    2. Balls of Steel
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      4-6 weeks if reports are correct!

  4. Jones Kusi
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Any changes to this WC team? My TV is pretty low.

    0.2 ITB
    Forster Mendy
    Rudiger Philips Fofana Coady Holding
    Lingard Jota Salah Son Bruno
    Nacho Kane Davis

    1. Thomas Magnum
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      You’ve done well to put that together with your TV. I’d probably just upgrade Holding to a 4.3/4 who’s nailed on for the season to save you a transfer down the line maybe unless you’re happy to have him on the bench once he loses his spot in that case you should be g2g

      1. Jones Kusi
        • 5 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        Thank you!
        Would you rather have Veltman or Masuaku instead of Holding?

  5. Mufc202020
    • 4 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Anyone doing Sterling for KDB?

    1. Balls of Steel
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Yes

    2. Utopsis
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      I'm doing this on WC but leaving the 0.6 ready to swap back after GW33

  6. Nate(U)dog(ie)
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    I've been sitting here wondering why there was next to nothing from Pep's presser out and only found out that the normal way with his is one half at presser time and the rest is embargoed until 10.30! The more you know I guess

  7. Pukkipartyy
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    C Salah or Sterling? Ovr 15k.

    1. JONALDINHO
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Sterling

  8. dshv
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    WC, wainting for advices

    Mendy (button)
    taa diaz coady (rudiger mitchell)
    Son bruno salah jota neto
    Kane iheanacho (davis)

    - if i remove taa, where can i improve?

    * no other chips
    * 0.4 itb

    1. Thomas Magnum
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      You could improve everywhere but I’d keep as is, it looks good to go. You’ll tinker too much if you look to sell TAA. Money itb is good for when Iheanacho gets dropped

  9. Thomas Magnum
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Comment fail last time:
    Ings worth a shout on WC, or does the BGW dampen his appeal? Can’t stretch to Vardy and not keen on Laca so it’s him or one of the 6m lads and have extra change

    1. ZLNR
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      If you have 3 City+Spurs skip him if 2 or less could be a great gamble. Do it

      1. Thomas Magnum
        • 8 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        Have 1 city 1 spurs as is most likely

    2. Nate(U)dog(ie)
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      I'd be very tempted but he's broken down so many times this season that I just don't think there's longevity in the move.

      1. Thomas Magnum
        • 8 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        This worries me also but hope he can stay fit enough to find another bandwagon to jump on we can’t see rn

  10. LC1
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Afternoon all.

    Last chance to tinker my WC team and starting 11;

    Mendy
    Rudiger Holding Dias
    Son Salah(c) Lingard Jota Bruno
    Kane Iheanacho

    Forster
    Vydra Phillips Coady

    Have 0.7 ITB but can't really afford to bring in TAA unless I rip my team apart.

    Any suggestions on starting 11 / changes would be much appreciated!

    GL all!

    1. Whazza
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      I think you can easily get TAA. Downgrade Vydra, would you ever play him? Rather have Coady first sub (except this particular gw maybe)

    2. pingissimus
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      No call to rip that apart

      I'd be half tempted to downgrade Dias to Shaw to leave budget to get Mount/Maddison from Lingard if WH suffer without Antonio Rice. Dias is really just expensive cs and there may be more oomph elsewhere

    3. Balls of Steel
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Similar WC team, I have Sterling over Son and Shaw over Coady. Will do Sterling to Son next week!

    4. #Swish41
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Very good, wouldn’t try and shoehorn TAA in

    5. funnyoldgame
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      looks good. I'd play Philips and have Holding first bench though.

  11. OleBall
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Start one:

    A) Targett
    B) Watkins
    D) Bamford

    1. John Nerdelbaum
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Watkins

  12. John Nerdelbaum
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Bottomed
    Defence of
    TAA Stones Cresswell Veltman Dallas

    Veltman > Rudiger or roll the free?

    1. Mayor of Flair
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Do it. Do it now.

  13. Brunsvigeren
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Ranked 145k, 1 FT, 1,3 ITB, any suggestions?

    Sanchez
    Dias, Digne, Maquiere, Cancelo
    Salah (C), Trossard, Gundo, Son
    Watkins, Son

    Martinez, Antonio, Struijk, Raphina

    Im thinking of Raphina, Son -> Jota, Ichhanico

    1. Brunsvigeren
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      I can do Raphina, Antonio to Jota and Ihenacio btw, better?

  14. SimonOwen
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    So the big question, happy with my WC.
    Do I start Phillips against (AVL) or Coady (ful)
    I have TAA already so its more do i hedge my bets with a different team, I know Liverpool have slightly better clean sheet odds..

    1. Rasping Drive
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      I would play Phillips

    2. #Swish41
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Same quandary, I’ve gone Phillips

  15. VaVaVoom14
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Is it crazy going Aubameyang captain?

    1. Rasping Drive
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Well, he has the fixture but I wouldn't personally - he's looked dreadful lately.

      1. Nate(U)dog(ie)
        • 3 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        This sums it up. If he plays out wide he'll likely do next to nothing again

    2. Whazza
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Makes more sense than random City attacker to me

  16. Luton_Fan
    • 14 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    how nailed is fofana? is it likely Leicester will go to a back four and Soy and Evans start ahead of him?

    1. JONALDINHO
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Fofana is their best defender he’s nailed

      1. Nanoelektronicar
        • 9 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        Besides, I don't think they'll go four at the back without Barnes, I think they'll use wingbacks until then. I can't see Perez going out wide when Maddison returns?

  17. MGMT
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Would you start Holding or Castagne this GW?

    1. linkafu
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Holding

  18. TSILIKAFENEIAKOS
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Last minute tinkering - play Lookman (H to WOL) or Shaw?

  19. La Roja
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Who would replace Tierney? Cedric?

    1. linkafu
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Supposed to be him

    2. Nanoelektronicar
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Just wanted to ask, who to get, Cedric or Holding. I have money to spare, and I would keep Arsenal def on bench most weeks. I am afraid Holding could get rotated with Mari and Gabriel? And Cedric is now only option at LB, Saka excluded?

  20. linkafu
    • 4 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Lingard or Saka for the run?

    1. Carefree Crew
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Lingard. Form, no EL rotation risk. Motivation Euros, finish top 4.

  21. #Swish41
    • 13 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    WC loaded. God, they are stressful! Pretty happy, couple of risks but BB next week so a decent bench to cover...

    Mendy
    Rudiger Stones Phillips
    Salah(c) Son Bruno Lingz Jota
    Kane(vc) Nacho

    Forster Bamford Coady Shaw

    GTG?

    1. Pompey5
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Nice.
      On WC too, so many options...

      1. #Swish41
        • 13 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        Tell me about it. I guess you can’t have ‘em all...

        Good luck!

    2. Utopsis
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Very very close to mine, I've got Reguilon instead of Stones and Martinez instead of Mendy (and Sterling for 1 week only, Son next week).

      Good luck!

  22. Firminooooo
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Saka(SHU, FUL) vs Bruno (TOT, BUR). Bruno in for Leeds in GW33. Is it crazy to go Saka?

    1. #Swish41
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Would still rather have Bruno tbh...

  23. Mayor of Flair
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Start Martinez (Liv) or Forster (WBA)?

    1. Utopsis
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Not this is the question! Currently leaning towards Forster myself

  24. Better Call Raul
    • 4 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Thoughts on Pepe for a 1 week punt? Seems likely to start as came off the bench against Slavia Prague (and scored)

    1. Mayor of Flair
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      No. He's rubbish.

    2. Whazza
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Tempting, people will say you are mad tho

  25. Pompey5
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    On WC
    A. Jota and KDB
    B. Salah and Gundo

    1. Mayor of Flair
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      A

    2. CAP
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      I'd go B

  26. Arteta
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Serious WC overthinking has just began. How's your looking? 🙂

    1. Pompey5
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      In a word - Overthought

    2. mr messi
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      See below

    3. Luton_Fan
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      lol same. midfield and fwd pretty nailed. getting right defense and GK combo's is a nightmare, too many options.

    4. Firminooooo
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      I have gone Saka over Bruno......

  27. Luton_Fan
    • 14 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    which one guys

    A. play leno and holding
    B. spread risk and play Forster and Holding.

    TIA

  28. mr messi
    • 13 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Gtg

    Mendy Forster
    Dias Rudiger Phillips Shaw Coady
    Salah Bruno Lingard Jota Gundo*
    Kane Iheanacho Wood

    Money in the bank to do Gundo to Son next week. Bb still to play, possibly gw32.

  29. XX SMICER XX
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Final WC teams BB next week:

    Leno
    Pereira Holding Phillips
    Salah (C) Neto Bruno Jota Son
    Kane (VC) DCL
    Forster Iheanacho Saiss Reguilon

    Mad to go no Chelsea and City?

    1. mr messi
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      I would get a Chelsea defender

  30. Stupendous
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Dias or Mendy for city? On WC.

    1. Stupendous
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Fancy a Mendy haul if he starts and not sure Dias plays much here out does he?