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. linkafu
    • 4 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    A Vydra

    B Adams

    C Fabio Silva

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

      A as cheapest & bench fodder tbh.

      Silva is awful!

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

        Oops thought you meant Jose actually. Still, Silva was benched in the end 🙂

    2. GE
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      A

    3. Ha.
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      C

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

      A seems to be popular.
      But if you're never going to play him, consider Davis at £4.2m. Depends on your squad if you need a playing sub & what you can do with an extra £0.6 now or in the future, without having to use a transfer, downgrading him to free up funds.

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

    Lowton or Holding on a WC?

    Mendy Forster
    TAA Rudiger Shaw Konsa 4.4
    Salah Bruno Son Jota Lingard
    Kane Iheanacho Bamford

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

      Holding

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

      Lowton probably nailed long term if fifth def

    3. Ha.
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Holding

  3. GE
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    How to improve this WC-team?

    (0.3 itb)

    Mendy
    TAA/Dias/Rudiger
    Salah/Bruno/Son/Lingard/Jota
    Kane/Nacho

    Bench: Forster, Holding, Vydra, Shaw

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

      looks gtg

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

    Another WC tinker...

    Mendy (Forster)
    TAA Shaw Rudiger Phillips Mitchell
    Sterling Bruno Son Jota Lingard
    Kane Nacho Davis

    1.1 ITB

    Any changes?

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

      Mitchell is asking for trouble I think, spend some of that bank

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

    gents, should i swap IN Philips for either:

    A.) STONES
    B.) CRESWELL

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

      yes. B

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

        but surely stones is a big rotation risk to end of the season now?

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

      I sold Stones due to rotation. I've sold all City.

      Cresswell has Leicester & Chelsea in next 3 games, no Rice or Antonio.
      Playing LCH not getting as far forward are some negatives.
      But he is nailed & on free kicks.

      Depends on the rest of your squad, what you'd do with the funds, City defensive cover strategy, etc.

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

        thank you for this. Much appreciated. I need to free up funds by getting in phlips to afford Mo Salah. OR I can just not take a four pointer and get in jota instead and wait

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

      Depends if you're going to Captain him? That affects my decision making when taking a hit. Also potential price rises risks, will you be priced out next week, future transfer plans for blank GW33, all to factor in. Sometimes it's worth taking the minus 4, if you're likely to take a hit anyway before BGW29 is there value in getting him in now?

      Good luck either way mate.

  6. S.Kuqi
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Is Aguero (c) step too much? One gw punt

    1. Westfield Irons ⭐️
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Madness. He might get a 5 minute cameo

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

        Nailed to play. City have UCL next week and the Prem is already won

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

      I like it I’ve gone Sterling

      1. S.Kuqi
        • 11 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        Thinking about it aswell. Kdb -> Sterling

    3. Cowboy John
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Very tempted myself...

    4. Lazaretti
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Thinking if I should tc him.

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

        he's just come back from injury. I wouldnt. Sterling maybe

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

    Which transfer takes priority?

    KDB to Jota

    Gundo to Saka

    Ghazi to Saka

    Bam to Nacho

    Lewis to Phillips

    Dallas ro Phillips

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

      kdb out. Rotation risk too big for me

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

    Thoughts here guys??? Deciding against the wildcard this week but may play it next week. Suppose Antonio needs to go this week but who to bring in?? Gtg elsewhere?
    1ft and 3.9m itb.

    Mendy (4m)
    Stones Coufal Lawton (Dallas Targett)
    Bruno Salah Mahrez Mount Gundogan
    Antonio DCL (Bamford)
    .

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

      Surely you've got to get Kane? Double next week. Captain option for the run in. Id definitely prioritise that.

  9. donbagino
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    1. Bamford --> Laca (or maybe some1 else) for a hit?
    2. Gundogan likely to be bench? If yes that maybe time to go Gundo-->Mount for a hit?

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

    Last choice on WC, please help!

    A) Fofana
    or
    B) Shaw

    1. GreennRed
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      B

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

      A

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

      A

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

      A nailed, fixtures, no EL rotation / early subs risk.

  11. GreennRed
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    The thrill of the chase and anticipation of putting together a wildcard rarely matches the outcome. But it's a grand distraction in lockdown 🙂


    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_NxrphVL7bQ

  12. Eastman
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Bench one

    A) Nacho
    B) Son
    C) Lingard

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

      Son

    2. RAFA THE GAFFA
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Yikes! B I guess

  13. FPLMACKEM
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    How's this WC looking?

    Mendy, Forster
    Coady, Holding, Rudiger, TAA, Amartey
    Salah, Jota, Bruno, Neto, lingard
    Vydra, Kane, Iheanacho

    0.2 itb

    Next week to transfer lingard > son

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

      Who are you benching this week? Your bench situation will be similar to mine besides Amartey

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

        Current bench order is Forster, Iheanacho, Coady, amartey.

        You?

  14. More Cowbell
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    I need to save 0.6m - what do do?

    mendy, forster
    rudy, coady, holding, fofana, n phillips
    salah, bruno, son, jota, neto
    kane, nacho, vydra

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

      ditch Bruno and upgrade Holding/Phillips to TAA

    2. Ha.
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      fofana>4.4m

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

      Your WC is almost identical to mine except I have TAA and Amartey (see above). Very difficult to save 0.6 from your defence here. You will have to sacrifice a mid I think.

  15. De Gea is GOAT
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    KDB, Antonio & Raph to Salah, Jota & Nacho worth -8? Thanks guys.

    1. Westfield Irons ⭐️
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Yes, that looks worth -8 in the long run.
      Just consider if Jota and Nacho are certain starters first...

      1. De Gea is GOAT
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        Good point that. Thank you.

  16. G Banger
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    With a front 8 of:

    Son, Salah, Bruno. Jota, Lingard
    Kane, Nacho, Vydra

    Benching Vydra right?

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

      yess

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

      Vydra over Nacho? I'm on Vydra starting atm

    3. matiakez
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      For sure

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

    A. Areola
    B. Forster

    start one.
    Thanks

  18. chelseabrad
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Need a player who will play in 32

    A) Phillips
    B) Holding
    C) Other?

    1. Cojones of Destiny
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      b

  19. HammersXI
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Would you start:

    A) Nacho over Vydra
    B) Holding over Coady
    C) Nacho over Son

    Or stick with Vydra, Coady and Son

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

      Similar dilemma to me
      I'm going with vydra and holding.

  20. v3n0m
    • 2 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    a) Azpi + Amartey
    b) Rudiger + James (Chelase tripple up)
    c) Rudiger + Fofana

    1. Cojones of Destiny
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      b

    2. jernej93
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Amartey and Fofana are both rotation risks ... I wouldn't triple on Chelsea, double is enough .. I wouldn't go Leicester defence unless it is Schmeichel or Castagne/Perreira. Rather pick Coady, Coufal, Masuaku ....

  21. Cojones of Destiny
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Cap who;
    a. Kane
    b. Bruno
    c. Jota

  22. jernej93
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    On wildcard (Also have Rudiger, so double Chelsea in both teams)

    1.) Mendy, Masuaku, Castagne
    2.) Martinez, James, Coady

  23. RAFA THE GAFFA
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    WC or no-WC? Still got BB.

    Current team;
    Martinez
    Dias. Alonso. Digne
    Bruno. Son. Lingard. Jota. Raph
    Kane(C). DCL
    (McCarthy. Bamford. Coufal. Dallas)

    WC team;
    Mendy
    TAA. Rudiger. Shaw
    Salah(C). Bruno. Son. Lingard. Jota
    Kane. Iheanacho.
    (Forster, Vydra, Holding, Masuaku)

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

      When would you choose to BB?

      1. RAFA THE GAFFA
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        Next week. Or 35 when more doubles could come

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

          Forster and Vydra fixture not ideal for next week. That's what is holding me back atm

          1. RAFA THE GAFFA
            • 7 Years
            2 years, 11 months ago

            You saving the WC then?

  24. Botman and Robben
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Play Martinez or Lloris?

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

      LLoris

  25. matiakez
    • 13 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    who to bench, son or coady?

  26. lets talk about 6
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 4 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    coady

  27. Bavarian
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    who to start?
    Shaw
    Coufal
    Coady

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

      coady

  28. TVPlugSockets
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Those who have WC this week and still have BB - when do you plan on using it?

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

      Maybe next week

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

      Will be keeping BB past next week. Seems unwise with not very favourable fixtures tbh

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

      Still haven't decided. Probably after gw35 now.

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

    Is Sterling likely to play? Can get him and then transfer to Son next week

  30. HellasLEAF
    • 14 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    What's the feeling on KDB gents,

    KDB C and Kane VC??? KDB maybe doesn't start and comes on as sub hurting C value or...

    Kane C and KDB VC. Only because you know he will start and could be good for 1 goal (at least one pk per say).

    One more assured, the other better fixture possible for bigger haul.