Team News

FPL Gameweek 8 injury and team news: Updates on Raphinha, Torres and more

We’ve got all the Gameweek 8 team news so far in our latest injury round-up of the pre-match press conferences, with Raphinha the headline act from Thursday’s conference calls.

Leeds United boss Marcelo Bielsa was one of six Premier League head coaches to face the media on Thursday, while a further 13 top-flight bosses are set to provide us with injury updates on Friday.

New Watford head coach Claudio Ranieri spoke to reporters yesterday and you can find updates on the Hornets’ injury latest here.

We’ll round up the key updates from today’s pressers in the article below. Don’t forget to keep checking our Predicted Line-ups page and Injuries and Bans tab, which will be gradually updated between now and Saturday’s Fantasy Premier League (FPL) deadline.

LEEDS UNITED

Raphinha’s involvement against Southampton looks in some doubt and will partly hinge on how many minutes he racks up for Brazil in their World Cup qualifier against Uruguay on Friday morning.

Marcelo Bielsa said that there were “many aspects to consider” when evaluating whether Raphinha would feature, citing game-time and travel as factors.

“The options that he has to participate in the game on Saturday depends on whether he plays this final [Brazil] game tonight, how many minutes he plays, how he finishes the game, after he has participated in it, how efficient the rest he can have in the next 36 hours is considering that a third of those will be spent flying, and if there’s any risk that the fatigue could cause injuries, then we won’t risk him. There are so many aspects to consider that I can’t offer you any certainties either way.” – Marcelo Bielsa on Raphinha

Robin Koch (pelvis), Patrick Bamford (ankle) and Luke Ayling (knee) remain out but Bielsa confirmed on Thursday that Adam Forshaw (thigh) and Crysencio Summerville (illness) have been passed fit, while Kalvin Phillips (calf) “has chances” of being able to play after withdrawing from the England squad over the international break.

“Bamford won’t play. He has a problem in his ankle which we informed previously. His recovery is subject to the evolution of the injury. I anticipated a date [for him to return], it wouldn’t be because I have arguments to do so. The evolution we have to control is on a day-to-day.

“Kalvin [Phillips] has chances of being able to do so.

“Koch is in the US where he will undergo a simple procedure to try and solve his problem in the pubis. Ayling is at the halfway stage of his process of recovery. Forshaw and Summerville are available again.” – Marcelo Bielsa

BURNLEY

Ben Mee will miss the trip to Manchester City after testing positive for Covid-19, while Matej Vydra and Charlie Taylor are doubts after picking up knocks over the international break.

Maxwell Cornet‘s hamstring injury looks to have cleared up, however, with the winger jetting off to join up with the Ivory Coast squad in the last week and then rejoining training today.

“The only one we’ve got missing, not because of injury but because of Covid, unfortunately, is Ben Mee. He’s fine but he’s tested positive so he has to go through the protocols before he comes back in.

“A few knocks, Vyds come back with a bit of a knock, so we’ll wait and see on that one. Probably touch and go. Charlie Taylor has had a couple of knocks, a little bit touch and go on him. Maxwell [Cornet] has come through fine, he’s trained today.” – Sean Dyche

ARSENAL

Granit Xhaka (knee) is a long-term absentee but aside from a “minor injury” that renders Gabriel Martinelli a doubt for the visit of Crystal Palace, Mikel Arteta said that he had no fitness concerns following the end of the October international break. 

“Not any bad news, at the moment everybody seems to be OK. Granit [Xhaka] is progressing really well but obviously, we know that it’s a long-term injury.

“We haven’t had the players here yet. Some of them because they’re still traveling and they’ve not been assessed by the medical staff.

“Unfortunately, [Martinelli] got injured last week – it’s a minor injury and we don’t know if he’s going to be available for Monday.” – Mikel Arteta

SOUTHAMPTON

Che Adams (muscle) has joined Jack Stephens (knee) on the sidelines for Southampton’s clash with Leeds, although the striker’s injury – unlike that of Stephens – isn’t a serious one.

Tino Livramento was among the Southampton players who were representing their countries over the October international break but, Adams aside, Ralph Hasenhuttl has reported no fresh concerns from his returning squad members.

James Ward-Prowse begins a three-match ban, however.

“Jack Stephens is still out. We have Che Adams returning back from the internationals with a muscle injury. It’s not too serious but for this game on the weekend, he is definitely out.

“I’ve not seen everybody back so far but the reports have been quite positive for the rest, that they are all well.” – Ralph Hasenhuttl

BRIGHTON AND HOVE ALBION

Steven Alzate (ankle) and Danny Welbeck (hamstring) are both set for spells on the sidelines after undergoing surgery but Brighton have been handed a boost by the return of Enock Mwepu (groin), Adam Webster (hamstring) and Yves Bissouma (knee) to training.

“Both Danny Welbeck and Steven Alzate suffered injuries in the Crystal Palace match which require surgery, and therefore both players will be out for a significant period of time.

“Enock Mwepu, Adam Webster and Yves Bissouma are back in training, and all three have a chance of being available for selection this weekend.” – Graham Potter

BRENTFORD

Thomas Frank confirmed late this afternoon that Kristoffer Ajer (hamstring) and Vitaly Janelt (thigh) should both be fit to play for Brentford against Chelsea after missing out in Gameweek 7.

ANY OTHER BUSINESS

Aside from the six official pre-match pressers, there was also news emerging from Spain that Ferran Torres is set to miss up to six weeks of action with a foot fracture. Manchester City confirmed the midfielder is injured but haven’t put an exact timeframe on his recovery.

Everton boss Rafael Benitez was speaking to the club’s in-house media, meanwhile, and said of his walking wounded:

“The international break is an opportunity to bring back players. Alex Iwobi was training and [so were] Digne and Coleman – that is good news for us – they have started training with the team.

“The others are improving and we will see in the week how they are. Lucas [Digne] had an issue and for two or three days was under treatment but he has started training.

“Fingers crossed [for Yerry Mina], hopefully everything will be fine in the last game [for Colombia], then we will see.” – Rafael Benitez

914 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Athletic Nasherbo
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    New wildcard draft. Shame I’m .1 away from Laporte + Cucerella.

    Sanchez
    Cancelo White Duffy
    Salah KdB(C) Son Mahrez Townsend
    Werner Toney

    Raya Livramento Ajer Archer

    1. coriswrasse
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      6/11 rip er up.

    2. Albrightondknight
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Well it’s different. I presume Mahrez is a one week punt?
      Dont know about trusting Werner holding down a spot but at least you have a lot of other options to go to at that price.
      GL at least you are trying something non template and a way stronger midfield than most and the last few years has shown that’s where the points are at.

    3. talentoe
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Could change sub keeper to Foster for 0.5

    4. Diddly Squat
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Mahrez plays once every 3
      Townsend will struggle when dcl/ Rich are back .
      Werner has 1 goal v Soton and an assist , in 6 games.
      Needs a rethink

  2. Our Tiny Windows
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    So how messy is this looking?

    Sanchez
    Trent Alonso Semedo Duffy
    Salah Jota Raphinha
    Ronaldo Antonio Jiminez

    4.0 Traore Allan Livramento

    1. Albrightondknight
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Not great 4 of 11 in danger. If you have a FT maybe use it but the bench is decent.

    2. Diddly Squat
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Jota will struggle for minutes,
      Jimenez .. wolves are awful and has 1 goal v soton and 2 assists v ncle in 7.
      Alonso likely to be rotated .

  3. Mackans
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    I heard somewhere that Mbuemo isn’t nailed? Someone who knows why?

    1. Fulchester's New Centr…
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      I don't think that is right, but not a Brentford fan

  4. Mackans
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Who would you go for on WC: Mbuemo or Hwang?

    1. Fulchester's New Centr…
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Mbuemo

      1. Connor's Calling
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        Agree

    2. talentoe
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Mbuemo

  5. Fulchester's New Centr…
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Robin Koch (Pelvis) could be a team name

  6. Connor's Calling
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Thoughts on:
    Gray -> ESR?

    Gives cash to get Semedo / another for Marcal

    Y / N?

    1. talentoe
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Yes

    2. Albrightondknight
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Maybe but it’s not like ESR is pulling up trees from an FPL perspective even if he passes the eye test. Needs to start getting actual points.

  7. talentoe
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Dias + Foden or TAA + Raph?

    1. Cojones of Destiny
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      B

    2. Qui-Gon-Joe
      • 2 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      B

    3. Botman and Robben
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      B

  8. John Colby (Capt)
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    KDB

    Afternoon everyone. Can anyone explain why KDB is being so overlooked as a fantasy prospect this season please? Yes Foden’s star is rising fast and high but as a reliable source of goals and assists for years and with City’s excellent fixture run for the next 6+ game weeks surely King Kev is the premium differential we should be brining in on wildcards with Salah and Lukaku?

    1. 2001: A Space Origi
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      He is not 100% fit yet, have you watched him play?
      He is not the KDB of old just yet, but sure he will be soon, as to when......who knows.. and for that money, pick him over who? Salah?

    2. Albrightondknight
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Probably not back to his best yet. But he is in the same category as second option big hitter with Lukaku and Ronaldo.
      It’s just that Che fixtures look good and no Lukaku is scary. I wouldn’t say KDB is a bad punt at all.

      1. John Colby (Capt)
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        Thanks for the feedback Mo and Albrighton. I’m just not confident Foden or Grealish carries the threat of a fit-again KDB. One goal and 2 assists in his last 3 (incl v Italy) and those set of excellent fixtures upcoming he’s hard to ignore. I’m on a wc so it’d be easier to bring him in with Salah and Lukaku now for the next 3-4 game weeks and downgrade to Son after the international break if he’s not the Kev of old.

        1. 2001: A Space Origi
          • 5 Years
          2 years, 5 months ago

          Sounds like a Plan, Thumbs Up!!

    3. 2001: A Space Origi
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      I need to add, KDB is one of the best players in the world!! and when he is 100% again, I am sure he will be THST good again...but at the moment, so looking at my own luck, KDB hat trick against Burnley!!! 🙂

    4. Diddly Squat
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      KdB will play every game when fit .
      Foden won’t .

  9. b91jh
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    2 WC drafts, TAA and no TAA

    A)
    Raya (Foster)
    TAA Walker Rudiger Cancelo (Livra)
    Salah MAHREZ Raph (Mbeumo)
    Lukaku Antonio Hwang

    Could do Mahrez/Antonio to Son/Toney when fixture swings.

    B)
    Raya (Foster)
    Walker Rudiger Cancelo (DUFFY Livra)
    Salah KDB Raph Mbeumo
    Lukaku Antonio (Hwang)

    Could do KDB/Walker to Son/TAA when fixture swings.

    1. Albrightondknight
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Either option seems fine,TAA looks like being fit. If he is just go A.
      TAA is in the same category as Salah for me he has to be in your team.

  10. Iceball
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Mbuemo Toney double up too much as it is Chelsea now and they might have to play due to Raphinha and other issues?

    1. Connor's Calling
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      I wouldn’t want both longer term myself

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

    I will stick with the big back 5 this season to see how it works out. Looking more for feedback on the picks themselves and if the bench is strong enough to cope with rotation risks

    Raya

    TAA Dias Cancelo Rudiger James

    Salah Foden Raphina

    Lukaku Antonio

    Steele Hwang McArthur Bissouma

    1. Holmes
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Could get tricky if Foden and Raphinha miss out together. McArthur and Bissouma aren't good enough backup for them.

      1. Albrightondknight
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        Cool thanks.

      2. Albrightondknight
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        What do you think of the 11 picks ignoring the crazy formation 🙂

  12. UnitednationsXI
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    What's the general verdict on

    A: Foden + Jimmy vs
    B: Son + Hwang

    Alternatively go A and move to B in gw12

  13. Ask Yourself
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    On WC, 1 player will be benched in each:

    A) Son + ESR + Armstrong
    B) KDB + Hwang + Brownhill

    1. UnitednationsXI
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      B

  14. EnricoPalazzo
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    1. Hwang or Toney?
    2. Grealish or Foden?
    3. Gallagher or Zaha?

    What do people think?

    1. EnricoPalazzo
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      I’d go with
      Hwang, Foden and Gallagher
      But then I’m you so that doesn’t really count…

  15. Sad Pablo Arsecobar
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    8.8 to get rid of torres. I'm not overly inspired by anyone. Have Jota Benrahma grealish and Gilmour. Was thinking ESR? Anyone else to consider? One of the Chelsea boys and if so who?

    1. Ask Yourself
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Just right to afford Mahrez and start the roulette fun again x

    2. Cojones of Destiny
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      yeah mahrez sounds like fun if he starts

      1. Sad Pablo Arsecobar
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        I just can't bring myself to it. Thinking of Havertz or ziyech but same roulette problem

  16. b91jh
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Is Toney a player with better scoring chance than Mbeumo in matches against low blocks like Burnley and Norwich?

    1. Ask Yourself
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      It seems as though vs tough defences he has to drop deep and create but against weaker defences he is the spearhead of the attack

  17. RohanVaswani
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Is Christensen nailed on for Chelsea?

    1. CABAYE4
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      No but with Silva in Brazil would seem likely to play this GW

  18. Flynny
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Waiting with bated breath for lukaku and James news for my wildcard tomorrow

    Expect lukaku to be fit - but if not, who will wildcarders replace him with without involving a big squad reshape

    Is vardy the man??

    1. b91jh
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Maybe Ronaldo as a placeholder?

      1. Flynny
        • 9 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        Too expensive....means I need to find 1m from elsewhere in the wildcard I like....

  19. SADIO SANÉ
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    if Mahrez doesn't start this time he might as just take a dump in the middle of the changing room floor

    1. Amartey Partey
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Could be a forward line of:

      Jesus, Foden, Grealish

      Who knows.

  20. Ronnies
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Any update on Rudiger ?

    Cheers.

    1. Albrightondknight
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Sounds like not playing for Germany was precautionary.

  21. Arteta
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    https://www.chelseafc.com/en/news/2021/10/14/gallery--blues-return-to-cobham-after-internationals

    Romelu Lukaku returned to full training at Cobham this morning after leaving the Belgium squad early due to muscle fatigue.

  22. JONALDINHO
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Is Gundogan fit for the weekend? Not interested in him but if he’s out that’s surely better for Foden / Grealish starting chances

  23. Botman and Robben
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Who to play?

    A. Livramento
    B. White

    1. Sid07
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Livra

    2. CABAYE4
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      B

    3. Amartey Partey
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      A. More attacking threat

    4. Thomas Jerome Newton
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      B) greater odds on clean sheet.

  24. Sid07
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Wildcard draft

    Sanchez foster
    TAA cancelo rudiger livera white
    Salah grealish raphina mbeumo brownhill
    Lukaku jimi Antonio

    0.0 ITB

    1. bitm2007
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      If you want the template you've got it.

      1. Sid07
        • 9 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        Any differential suggestions??

        1. bitm2007
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 9 Years
          2 years, 5 months ago

          KDB only 2.2% owned. Grealish and Antonio to KDB and 4.5m then rotate livera & white for last spot.

          1. Diddly Squat
            • 3 Years
            2 years, 5 months ago

            No love for Mane .

            1. Diddly Squat
              • 3 Years
              2 years, 5 months ago

              Scored 4 and an assist so far .

            2. 2001: A Space Origi
              • 5 Years
              2 years, 5 months ago

              No Womane, no love!! 🙂

  25. Jinswick
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Where to spend the 0.4m on this WC?

    Ramsdale
    TAA, Cancelo, Chilwell, Duffy
    Salah, Son, Raphina, Mbuembo
    Lukaku, Antonio

    Foster, Livramento, Brownhill, Davis
    Bank 0.4m

    1. Holmes
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Chilwell to Rudiger and Ramsdale to Raya

    2. CABAYE4
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Chilwell to Rudiger.

    3. Ask Yourself
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Lukaku > Kane for 1 week x

    4. bitm2007
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Brownhill to Luiz or save for a rainy day.

  26. Oooo Matron
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Best three defenders combination between Chelsea & City for 17 Mill?

    Currently on Walker, James & Rudiger

    Anything better?

    1. Holmes
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Rudiger, Cancelo, Christensen

  27. Atimis
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    I'm down to these options:

    A) Play Greenwood, keep FT, Ronaldo Greenwood Benrahma/Sarr out next week for a hit
    B) Greenwood and Benrahma/Sarr out for a hit now
    C) Just sell Greenwood now and get Everton/Arsenal mid or even Mount punt

    Thoughts?

    1. Holmes
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      A

  28. Jinswick
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Thoughts on this no Son WC option?

    Ramsdale
    TAA, Cancelo, Laporte, Chilwell, James
    Salah, Grealish, Raphina
    Lukaku, Antonio

    Foster, Mbeumbo, Brownhill, Davis
    Bank 0.1m

    1. bitm2007
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Too many non nailed defenders for me.

    2. Diddly Squat
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Downgrade a couple of defenders and put Mane or KdB in midfield

  29. martyhan
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Best combo on WC

    A. Duffy and foden
    Or
    B. Dias and saka.

    1. Don Van Vliet
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      B for security

  30. Amartey Partey
    • 4 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Has Rudiger been seen in training today?

    1. Arteta
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Nope.

    2. AC/DC AFC
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      I didn't see him either.