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. SHOWSTOPPERRR
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Guys finally activated wc.Any suggestions or g2g?

    Mendy
    Taa shaw rudi
    Salah C jota lingz gundo bruno
    Kane iheanacho

    Forster vydra coady dawson

    3.6itb gundo to son next week.

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

      looks good to me

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

        Thanks

    2. richarlison2348
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      I like it! Fofana for Shaw maybe...

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

        Thanks

  2. richarlison2348
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Play 2.
    Iheanacho (Whu)
    Vydra (New)
    Lingard (Lei)

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

      A + C

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

      Iheanacho (Whu)
      Vydra (New)

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

      a and c

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

      Latter 2

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

      a, c

      whu games been 3-3 and 3-2 lately - won't be able to hold the ball without Antonio and Rice so likely a back & forth game

    6. richarlison2348
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Nobody can agree 🙂 I guess there isn't really a consensus.

  3. 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. richarlison2348
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Have you considered putting your TV on a stand? You can buy good ones on Amazon...
      Looks fantastic.

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

      Why do you call it WC team, did you make it on the toilet?

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

      looks good to go.

      you could downgrade Lingard to Neto and upgrade Davis to Vydra

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

    1. Maddison
    2. Saka
    3. Greenwood

    Am I trying too hard

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

      1

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

      I’m taking a punt on Greenwood if it helps...

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

        I just answered your very punty question below. Maybe that makes me worried haha

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

          Appreciate the response haha, yeah I’m in need of punts and like his next 3 fixtures. Both will do well imo Rodgers comments about Maddison for this week put me off but I see both their points coming in the fixtures after this week

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

      easy 1

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

    Which duo on WC?

    A) Mendy + Shaw
    B) Leno + Reguilon
    C) Lloris + Christensen

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

      B for me

      A likely most popular

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

      A

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

      A

    4. Peteski29
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      A

  6. Letsgo!
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Iheanacho surely start this week?

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

      Yes he should

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

    Which one?
    A) C.Wilson
    B) Diagne
    C) Ings
    Keep in mind ings means sacrifices elsewhere but if he’s the best option...

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

      Diagne

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

        Thanks for the feedback!

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

      C if you have < 3 City+Spurs
      A otherwise is a good punt

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

        Only 1 spur and 1 city

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

          In that case assuming you can bench Ings I think that's a really interesting option and will have a double

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

            Thanks! Defs food for thought. I think he’s better than any mid at that price but may come down to whether I was him or Maddison long term. He is very tempting though!

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

      Tie breaker?

  8. Scholes Out For Summer
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    KDB to Salah (c) for a hit is overthinking right?

    1. richarlison2348
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Don't do that

  9. Plagued by indecision
    • 13 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Have I got the bench right?

    Mendy
    TAA / Rudiger / Holding
    Salah / Son / Jota / Bruno / Lingard
    Kane / Iheanacho

    Subs: Forster / Lowton / Coady / Davis

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

      if you think spurs go well against united then yes

      1. Plagued by indecision
        • 13 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        what do you reckon?

  10. DBW - Slug's Mortgage …
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Does anyone think KDB plays? Hard to sell him for this game

    1. Scholes Out For Summer
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      I just dont think I can sell him...

      Imagine if he starts. I think if he does its an early sub

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

    A. Konsa to Holding
    B. Bale to Jota
    C. Bamford to Iheanacho

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

      b

    2. Traction Engine Foot
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      B

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

      B

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

      B

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

      Wow, that's an easy win then. Thanks a lot guys!

  12. KUNingas
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    It seems almost everybody except me is trusting Wolves defence..

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

      I'm with you. Also, they don't have anything to play for.

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

    Who to captain?

    A) Jota
    B) Bruno
    C) Kane
    D) Lingard

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

      C

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

      a and then c

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

    A Saka Vydra

    B Lingard Vydra

    C Jota Davis

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

      B

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

      B

  15. Alejo - CFC
    • 10 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Who to Captain?

    A)Lingard
    B)Kane
    C)Jota

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

      B

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

      C

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

      c

  16. arkom
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Play one? And who first on the bench?!

    A) Watkins
    B) Reguilon
    C) Dunk
    D) Rapinha

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

      D

  17. TheOneAndOnly
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Pick 1 to start;

    A) Coady (ful)
    B) Holding (shu)

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

      B

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

      Holding. Shef concede set pieces
      Coady more secure to start though

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

        Will stick with Holding, Coady 1st sub if he doesn't

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

      B

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

      b

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

    Is this midfield too weak for a W/C team?

    Salah, Son, Jota, Lingard, Neto?

    No Bruno makes me nervous!

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

    A) Iheanacho & Sterling
    Or
    B) Aguero & F.Torres

    This week only?

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

      A

  20. Couch Potato
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Bench one:-

    A DCL
    B Bambam

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

      B

  21. Henning
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Play Coady or Holding?

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

      Holding

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

    This week. Neto or Lingard?

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

      Lingard

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

      Lingard is on fire, captain material

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

    A Bellerin

    B Holding

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

      Holding

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

      B

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

      B

  24. Sickboy
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Reece James or Alonso on a WC?

    Thanks!

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

      There is only one Alonso

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

      Alonso

  25. Laros
    • 10 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    WC this week and still have BB to use:

    Leno, Forster
    TAA, Azp, Dias, Coady, Holding
    Salah, Gundo, Jota, Lingard, Bruno
    Kane, Nacho, Davis.

    Still have 1.8 in the bank.

    Thoughts?

    1. b91jh
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Another brave man with no Son on WC. Like it and I'm one of them.

  26. Assisting the assister
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Scramble which way to go?

    A. Salah, Ings, Fofana
    B. Bruno, Lacazette, Azpi

    Many thanks then it's beer o'clock

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

      Hah. A for me

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

      A

    3. Assisting the assister
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      A done. Beer opening....thanks

  27. Zenith UK
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Thoughts please?

    Martinez, McGill
    Dias, Cancelo, Cresswell, Kona, Struijk
    Bruno, Son, Lingard, Raphina, Soucek
    Kane, Calvert-Lewin, Bamford

    A) Raphina & Bamford > Salah & Davis (free)
    B) Raphina & Bamford > Jota & Vardy (free)
    C) Struijk & Raphina > TAA & Jota (free)
    D) Struijk & Bamford > TAA & Laca (free)
    E) Other options? Currently have 5.2 ITB

  28. paza12
    • 13 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Gundo to Lingard on WC? Cheers!

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

      Nope

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

      Yes

  29. b91jh
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    WC team done.

    Mendy
    TAA / Rudiger / Holding
    Auba (c) / Bruno / Jota / Lingard
    Kane / Wood / Iheanacho

    Forster / Maddison / Cresswell / Castagne

    GTG?

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

    Best option?
    A. Coufal, Shaw, Rudiger
    B. Coufal, Shaw, Coady (Got Mendy)
    C. Fofana, Rudiger, Coady

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

      c. don't fancy Coufal