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. ZAWAd25
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Trent or no Trent on WC

    A)Trent draft:
    Mendy Forster
    TAA Coady Rudy Holding Dawson
    Salah Son Fernandes Jota Lingard
    Kane Nachos Davis

    B) No Trent:
    Mendy Forster
    Phillips Coady Rudy Dias Reguilon
    Salah Son Fernandes Lingard Jota
    Kane Nachos Vydra

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

      Trent

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

      No Trent.

    3. Mo Mane Mo Salah
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Trent

  2. The Red Devil
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Start who-
    Martinez
    Sanchez

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

      Sanchez

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

    Guys start shaw or coady?

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

      Shaw

    2. DARK SIDE OF THE LOON
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Coady. Play the percentages.

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

      Coady. Kane will score.

    4. Michelle Davin
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Coady

  4. Michelle Davin
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Coady or saiss?

  5. aborg
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Is DeGea playing this weekend?
    If so is he a better pick than Martinez?

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

      Hendo

  6. tabby98
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Thoughts on WC team?

    Mendy, Forster
    TAA, Rudiger, Alonso, Dias, Holding
    Salah, Jota, Lingard, Bruno, Neto
    Vydra, Iheanacho, Kane

    £0m ITB

    Risky not having Son?
    or Gtg?

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

      G2G. Could bring Son in next week.

      1. tabby98
        • 8 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        For a hit? Who would u take out next week for him

    2. Bob.
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Bit expensive on the defence imo

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

      You don't need Son this week it's next week

      1. tabby98
        • 8 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        Worth bringing him in for a hit though? who should i transfer out for him next week?

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

          Why would it be for a hit just do it with your ft, you have to drop one of Salah Bruno but he has two games so should pay off, he's much better value than Salah this season.

  7. Bob.
    • 13 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    On WC. Who would you drop. Jota, Raphinha or Lingard? Cheers

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

      Raph

    2. Bamford's Boot
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Drop Raph, then bring him back GW36

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

    Start Cody or Holding?

    1. FPL ElasticO
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Holding

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

    Chris Wood (C)?

    3 goals in 3 games, Newcastle at home...

  10. FPL ElasticO
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Is this transfer worth doing?

    Gundo > Neto
    Dias > Azpi (also got Rudiger)

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

    Do people experience annoying adds popping up at the bottom of your screen persistently? I am using Edge as the browser.

    1. DARK SIDE OF THE LOON
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      On Chrome too!

  12. Salarrivederci
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Gtg? 1.1 ITB and 1FT

    Areola
    Digne - Cancelo - Azpi - Coady
    Salah (C) - Bruno - JWP
    Kane - DCL - Watkins

    (Martínez, Gundogan, Lookman, Targett)

    1. Magic Zico
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Benching Gundo?

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

        I fear a 10min sub ;/

  13. Lexi2014
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Play Dunk or Lowton?

  14. Pukki Blinders
    • 4 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Son has a 40% chance of scoring a goal this week according to the bookies... incredible considering his recent form

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

      Form is temporary...

  15. MikeS
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    A. Wildcard
    B. Leave
    C. Raphina and DCL to Salah and ihenacho?

    0ft, 6mn itb

    Martinez-(areola)
    Shaw-dias-creswell-(Dallas-dunk)
    Raphina-son-lingaard-jota-bruno
    Dcl-kane-(bamford)

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

      C would be -8

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

      B

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

    Okay Mendy or Forster in goal?

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

      Mendy

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

      Good god not Forster

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

        haha sorry meant Loris or Forster!

  17. Corgz Dark side of the Loon
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Guys, Which TWO play ??.....

    Vydra.
    Nacho
    Holding

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

      B C

  18. Bamford's Boot
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    WC team set:
    Mendy Forster
    TAA Dias Alonso Rudi Shaw
    Jota Salah(vc) Sterling(c) Saka Lingard
    Kane Nacho Wood

    0.6 ITB, Plan to Sterling --> Son --> over the next couple weeks
    Gtg?

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

      You must have good team value!

      1. Bamford's Boot
        • 3 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        104.8

        1. Bamford's Boot
          • 3 Years
          2 years, 11 months ago

          Plan to bring Bruno in for Son in the blank

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

        He has no Bruno

        1. Bamford's Boot
          • 3 Years
          2 years, 11 months ago

          I've had him until now. Plan to go without for a couple weeks.

  19. nalassimi
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    How does this WC look guys,

    Mendy Forster
    Holding TAA Rudiger Regullion Dawson
    Salah Gundo Bruno Jota Son
    Iheanacho Kane Davis

    I have 0.7 ITB and 4 BGW players. Plan to change Gundo for BGW (probably Lingard ) but hold on to Spurs player for GW 34 vs SHU.

    1. HD7
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Nice team

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

      Looks g2g mate don’t like Reguilon myself but can see the punt same as Gundo. Maybe if anything upgrade holding to a more secure starter for safety

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

    Don’t mean to repost but any thoughts before I head off to bed as to which team would be greatly appreciated!
    TEAM 1
    Mendy 3.9
    TAA Dias Rudiger Masuaku Phillips
    Salah Bruno Lingard Greenwood Maddison
    Kane Iheancho Diagne
    TEAM 2
    Mendy Forster
    TAA Dias Rudiger Dawson Phillips
    Salah Bruno Greenwood Lingard ESR
    Kane Ings Diagne
    Thanks!

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

      Team 1 for me. I am worried about your bench on Team 2.

  21. HD7
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Philips Vardy or TAA Nacho?

    For me former is better.

    Reasons: Think Vardy will get in form with these nice fixs. Nacho will probably be rotated soon.

    As for Liverpool TAA may get some attacking returns, but I dont rate them getting a lot of cleanies.

    Of course these are my thoughts, what are yours?:)

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

      Probably the former as well. Won’t have to worry about Iheanacho down the line

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

      Has to be TAA Nacho on current form

  22. gomez123
    • 10 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Jota or Lingard or both for -4 (Saka & Raph out) Y/N

  23. dunas_dog
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    As 3rd striker and 4th defender

    A Vydra Fofana
    B Davis Pereira

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

      A

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

      A

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

      A

    4. Corgz Dark side of the Loon
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      A.......

      Can I ask for your help.

      Which TWO play ??.....
      Vydra.
      Nacho
      Holding

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

        Vydra Nacho

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

      A

    6. HD7
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      A

  24. aborg
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Would you captain Gundogan (and vice Jota) or is there a risk of just a cameo from him?

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

      Wouldn't do that

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

      I'd captain one but bit too risky VC on the other when it's possible one might cameo and the other not appear at all

  25. ..RL..
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Tierney to Saiss
    Bamford to Iheancho for -4?

  26. The Polymath
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    A) Alonso
    B) Rudiger

  27. GCM0803
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Play Martinez or Forster ?

  28. wulfrunian
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Which one in Wc?
    a)Phillips+Dcl
    b)Taa+Brewster

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

    Start Watkins or Raphinha

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

      Raph

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

      Raph is another level to Watkins

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

    Coady or Stones?