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. Flynny
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Pick 1 for wildcard?

    A....coady

    B...fofana

    Thanks

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

      B if to play almost every week, A if not (if that makes any sense)

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

    Mendy
    Trent - Stones - Rudiger
    Salah (C) - Bruno - Son - Jota - Gundogan
    Kane - DCL - Iheanacho

    (Forster) - (Iheanacho - Holding - Amartey) 0.0 ITB

    Any final changes worth making to this WC? Cheers!

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

      What’s your TV?

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

        106.0

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

      Looks good to me!

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

        Cheers mate, good luck!

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

    Bam to Nacho for free?

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

      Yes

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

      yes

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

      Yep

  4. veedub1989
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 4 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Any love for Vardy?

    Leno
    Dias Phillips Azpi
    Son Sterling (C) Bruno Jota Lingard
    Vardy Kane

    Forster Holding Shaw Davis

    Sterling>Salah next week.
    0 ITB (otherwise I'd have Mendy)

    1. Jon Snow
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      not performing at his price tag atm, nacho and Maddison better options

      1. veedub1989
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 4 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        Worried about Nacho minutes and an inevitable transfer down the line.

        Nacho enables TAA>Phillips but I also don't see the value in TAA yet.

        1. Jon Snow
          • 8 Years
          2 years, 11 months ago

          Tricky one, Personally can't see Rodgers benching his most in form attacker for a while. Apparently Perez will likely be the one missing out

  5. Jack Burton
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Bale to Sterling and captain just for this week cheers in advance

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

      Not a bad punt but some risks

      1. Jack Burton
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        I know I know other option is Salah thanks for the reply good luck mate

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

          You too man

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

      Yes, it's worth the punt. Think he's very likely to play

      1. Jack Burton
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        Been stung before by Bale last 2 game weeks bit risk averse now gl mate

    3. veedub1989
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      I am giving the armband to Sterling this week and will transfer him for Salah next week. He's got to come good at some point!

      1. Jack Burton
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        Tempting mate isn't it oh no here we go again

  6. Super John McGinn-
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Thoughts on wildcard draft, ended up 0.1m off it as had no rises or falls, best way to make up the money?

    Mendy, Forster
    TAA, Dias, Shaw, Rudiger, Coady
    Salah, Bruno, Son, Jota, Lingard
    Kane, Inheancho, Vydra

    A) Forster > Fabri
    B) Shaw > Fofana
    C) Coady > Veltman/Holding
    D) Vydra > Davis (have to play him in 33)
    E) Other

    1. Jon Snow
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      C (or A)

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

      D why would you have to play him 33? Save FT next week and make two moves (gives you a sub even). Then save in 34 and have 2 FT for the supposed dgw?

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

      A

  7. Abaddon
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    A) Neto
    B) Linz
    C) Jota

    Long term move. Who to prioritise?

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

      C

    2. Super John McGinn-
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      C

    3. Abaddon
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Thanks. Could Jota match salah? Salah is C material, but with Jota I would always fear rotation

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

    start areola over martinez? yes or no? thanks

    1. ManUtdFan977
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Yes

  9. ManUtdFan977
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Shall I go for Bernardo silva this week as a one week punt over son or is it better to save the transfer next week

    1. Alisson WondHaaland
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Better off keeping Son, Bilva rarely gets attacking returns

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

      Save. Bilva might not even start, started in Europe

  10. Boomerang V
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Is there a 4.1 or less nailed defender? No Liverpool slot.

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

      Not nailed but Amartey will give you 1-2 more weeks of starts

    2. ManUtdFan977
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Maybe amartey since soyuncu is out

    3. Boomerang V
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      cheers

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

    Hi guys. Which one 2 weeks only?

    A) Lacazette, Phillps, Stones
    B) Vydra, TAA, Shaw

  12. bitm2007
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    A) Salah (c) and Iheanacho (for a hit)

    B) Jota (c) and Vardy

    1. HNI
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      B I would say as Vardy ia big differential. Can advice me below mate?

  13. HNI
    • 10 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Is it madness to consider Perriera vs SOU over Son vs MUN on WC with exact money to get Son back for next gw?

    1. HNI
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Or should I punt on Mahhrez instead?

      1. HNI
        • 10 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        Actually Ferran Torres/Bilva as Mahrez played wntire match last time

    2. bitm2007
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      I'd go Son now most of your players will play twice between now and next GW. So that FT is likely to be needed elsewhere.

  14. Alisson WondHaaland
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Thoughts on Rodgers comment on Maddison?

    “a bit away from where his level would be”

    1. HNI
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Get him for Son in the blank

    2. Sean
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Enough to scare me off

  15. Super Sharpe Shooter
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Hi everyone

    WC Draft 1. Too light/less nailed on the bench or GTG?

    Mendy
    Trent-Alonso-Coady
    Bruno-Salah-Jota-Gundo
    Kane-Vardy-Vydra
    Bench: Forster-Dawson-Holding-SmithRowe

    WC Draft 2. More of a spread, better balance, stronger bench (but no Trent or Vardy)...

    Mendy
    Phillips-Dawson-Dias-Alonso-Shaw
    Bruno-Salah-Jota-Gundo-Son
    Kane-Nacho-Vydra

    (maybe Son will become Pereira for one week only)

    Which formula to go with?? Heavy hitters with weak bench or more balanced squad????

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

      I considered similar choices and went with the big hitters / weaker bench. Sterling to Son next week can help me improve depth if required.

  16. PascalCygan
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Here we go then. Finally done with the WC. I think.

    G2G?

    Mendy
    TAA Rudiger Holding
    Salah (vc) Sterling (c) Bruno Jota Lingard
    Kane Iheanacho

    Forster / Coady Masuaku Davis

    Sterling to Son next week.

    Good luck everyone!

  17. Dynamic Duos
    • 10 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    DCL or Laca on WC?

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

      Laca

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

      I am having the same problem, DCL playing more mins may swing it for me

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

      Don't like either tbh

      1. Pedaso Pirates
        • 10 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        Agree

  18. premierleaguesgreatestevert…
    • 4 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Thoughts on wc and team selection this week?

    Mendy

    Holding Rudiger Laporte

    Son Salah(c) Pereira Bruno Jota

    Nacho Kane

    Martinez Fofana Masuaku Vydra

    BB gw34

    Thanks

  19. frenchfries
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Martinez
    Dias Rudiger Dawson
    Bruno Son Bale Lingard
    Kane Watkins Bamford

    Sanchez Targett Raphinha White

    2ft 3.6itb
    A) Bale+Bamford-> Salah+Nacho
    B) Bale+Sanchez-> Salah+Forster
    C) Other

    1. DavidHopkin
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      I would focus on attacking transfers over GK. Appreciate Forster has a DGW though, not sure it's worth it mind.

  20. DavidHopkin
    • 13 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    On a wildcard. Fairly settled but two questions remain:

    1. Jota, Mount or Maddison
    2. Coady/Rudiger and Vydra or Shaw and Davis

    Mendy, Forster
    TAA, XXXX, Holding, Masuaka, Mitchell
    Salah, Bruno, Gundo, Son, XXXX
    Kane, Iheanacho, XXXX

    1. frenchfries
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      1. very hard, close between Jota and Mount, think Jota has an edge for me
      2. Coady+Vydra

  21. winchester
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Hey, Current WC draft.. Please rate..

    mendy (forster)
    taa rüdiger coady (holding X?)
    salah bruno lingard son jota
    kane ihenacho (davis)

    Issue here is that with the that draft above, I only have 4m itb for the last defender (X)... and also having davis as bench fodder.. is this looking bad?

  22. Boleyn Boy
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Afternoon All. Making the final decisions on a WC. Which option is best? Thanks in advance:

    a) Leno & Masuaku
    b) Sanchez & Coady

    Back up GK is Forster

    1. DavidHopkin
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      A shades it for me

  23. Tsparkes10
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Think I’m set on this? Gtg?

    Mendy Forster
    Dias Rudiger Coady Holding Phillips
    Jota Mount Lingard Bruno Son
    Kane Vardy Kelechi

    0.7 left itb

    Could go Alonso, Stones over Rudiger, Dias

    1. ManUtdFan977
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Yes gtg
      Just a suggestion would u not consider a city mid instead of son just for this week.

  24. Oggle22
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    G2G fear no Chelsea and Neto could be Jlingz?
    Leno
    TAA Holding Coady
    Salah Son Bruno Neto Jota
    Kane Nacho

    Forster Fabio Silva Amartey Mitchell

    Could down grade silva and up grade elsewhere but have bench boost to use

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

    Pepe as a 1 week punt, or Mahrez even ? The Sterling to Son switch taking up too much £

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

    Dias or a punt on Mendy (City)?

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

    Vydra or Adams?

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

      Vydra

    2. ManUtdFan977
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Vydra

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

    Raph to J Lingz for free?

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

      Would you be playing Raph this week? I'd be tempted to hold off the move

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

        He's benched currently but would play Lingard over Watkins

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

    Defence of
    TAA Stones Cresswell Veltman Dallas

    Veltman > Rudiger or roll the free?

  30. footballcandy
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Locked!

    Leno
    Philips - Lowton - Rudiger
    Sterling (C) - Salah - Bruno - Saka - Jota
    Kane - Ihenacho

    Forster - Coady - Fofana - Mitrovic (+1m itb)

    1. Raz to Son and TC Kane DGW32

    FH and BB left

    Said bye bye to West Ham for a couple of GWs no.. Sorry Lingard, you made my benching headache to intense!

    Good luck, all!