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. jackruet
    • 2 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Which one for free transfer.
    1. Ronaldo > Lukaku
    2. Brandon williams > Cancelo (4-3-3)

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

      2

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

      2

    3. EmreCan Hustle
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Why not both for a hit?

    4. Fantasy Pig
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      2

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

      2

    6. Cheeky Onion
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      2 all day, especially with Lukaku injury concern this week

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

      2

    8. dansully3
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      2 no brainer

  2. EmreCan Hustle
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Bottomed.

    On WC.

    A. Armstrong and ESR
    B. Hwang and Saka

    Thanks.

    1. Cheeto__Bandito
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      b

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

      Hwang and ESR

    3. dansully3
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      B all day

  3. Cheeto__Bandito
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    A) Azpi and Christensen

    B) Laporte and James

    Best option? (I have good bench btw for rotation)

    1. EmreCan Hustle
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      B

    2. Cheeky Onion
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      B out of those, need to get some City cover in there

    3. dansully3
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      B even though James is high risk

  4. Cheeky Onion
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Feeling more and more like Rudiger isn't playing this week. If so, I'll be fielding Brownhill which I really don't want to do. What move to make with 1FT & 1.9ITM

    Sanchez
    TAA - Rudiger* - Reguilon - Veltman
    Salah - Sarr - Benrahma
    Ronaldo - Antonio - Toney

    Foster - Tsim - Brownhill - Raph

    A) Tsim > Livra (long overdue bench upgrade)
    B) Tsim > Walker/Laporte/Chilwell (will need to take a hit to get Cancelo in next week)
    C) Rudiger > Azpi (seems a little sideways)
    D) Reguilon > Cancelo (will do this next week if not this. Reguilon v Newcastle a good fixture for this week tho)
    E) Raph > Foden (don't really want to lose Raph over one GW)

    1. EmreCan Hustle
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      A

    2. JohnnyRev7
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      A

    3. Crunchie
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      D

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

        sorry A but Robinson was "tired" last GW5

    4. dansully3
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      D

  5. Free Hat
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Never thought Id say this,
    but I like the look of Mahrez in my wc team as a one week punt.

    Next gw Mahrez to Mount probably.

    1. jackruet
      • 2 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      1 week punt is a bad thing

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

      Very interesting.
      I was comparing Saka+Foden to ESR+Mahrez (Mount could come in for the city mid in GW9) so I get you.

      1. Free Hat
        • 5 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        I like Foden, but with Jesus probably out Im more confident Mahrez starts. Not so sure on Foden. But its pep, who knows.

    3. 1912 F.A Cup Winners
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Mahrez a great record vs Burnley!!

      1. Free Hat
        • 5 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        I hope it continues!

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

      Looks like he might miss. Livramento off the bench!

      1. pingissimus
        • 5 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        I'm worried that I'll need Raph off second bench!

    2. 1912 F.A Cup Winners
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Looks like I might end up going Chris Wood deep this week!! Rudiger, Alonso, Raphinha……

      1. pingissimus
        • 5 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        Just one of those weeks - but then I look at WC teams and don't feel much better about most of them 😉

        1. 1912 F.A Cup Winners
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 6 Years
          2 years, 5 months ago

          One of those weeks…. Like last week haha

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

            …and the one before that

    3. Nate(U)dog(ie)
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Makes me feel a little better about playing Toney I guess with Silva also out (not that their cover isn't still very capable)

  6. Babit1967
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Anyone going for Mount next week?

    Think I’ll go Jota to Mount for the fixtures

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

      Considering him for sure

    2. I Member
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      He's on my watchlist but I'm not in a hurry to get rid of Jota.

  7. Jimmy Boy
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Jota to Foden?

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

      Looks like that might be my transfer, too.

    2. Ajax Hamsterdam
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      keep jota for watford surely?

      1. Jimmy Boy
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        Firmino looking likely to play instead reading the papers

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

          It's all I can afford without taking hit(s). Other option would be Rudiger to Cancello, but I'd be wanting this former back again next week...

  8. Catona75
    • 2 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Semedo, Greenwood and Jota out for Cancelo, Foden and Doucoure (-8)? This would not fix all my problems.

    Could do Cancelo and Greenwood to Cancelo and Doucoure for -4, but would then not be sure to have 11 playing.

    1. I Member
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Jota should be available. Wouldn't sell him for free never mind for a -4.

  9. sirmorbach
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Ladies and gentlemen, what do you say? I really need your help on this WC team — sometimes I like it, sometimes I hate it.

    Ramsdale / Foster
    TAA / Cancelo / Rüdiger / Duffy / Livramento
    Salah / Raphinha / Zaha / Mbeumo / Luiz
    Lukaku / Antonio / Jiménez

    £1.1 in the bank.

    (Duffy and Jimi could be Dias and Toney.)

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

      Why are you going Raphinia if he’s more than likely out ?

      1. sirmorbach
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        I'd want him back anyway, so I thought it was worth it

    2. Macca71
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      My WC team similar, but I've gone Dias and Toney (over Duffy and Jimi). I have a spot for Saka - next 4 GWs look good - and the usual Chelsea quandary: have Rudiger but would prefer Chilwell or James if either were established as starters

    3. My heart goes Salalalalah
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Dias and Toney

  10. Tinmen
    • 10 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Guys. Who’s the best pick for last man standing this week?
    Last 4 and I need help please

    Villa
    Brighton
    Spurs

  11. The 12th Man
    • 10 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    What to do here? I was hoping to save the FT but looking like some may be out.
    1FT 0.2m itb.

    Meslier
    TAA,Dias, Rudiger*,White
    Salah, Raphinia*,Gray,ESR
    Ronaldo,Lukaku*

    Gunn, Livramento,Dennis,Gilmour

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

      Yep it looks like Rudiger and Raphinha will be out sadly

      1. The 12th Man
        • 10 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        Good enough to save and rely on Livramento and Dennis this week?

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

          Livra is fine IMO, but what to do with Dennis? I don't know?

          1. The 12th Man
            • 10 Years
            2 years, 5 months ago

            Not really. He’s on borrowed time for me.

            Was thinking about one of these moves for -4.
            Gilmour,Ronaldo >>
            A) Son,Toney
            B) Foden,Antonio (leaving 1.3m itb to do Dennis > Toney later)

  12. SAKA AND EMILE SMITH ROWE
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Have considered nearly every City midfielder but now thinking Mahrez!

  13. OleGGMU
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Hi lads
    I trust you are all well. just looking for an rmt and transfer advice
    Current XI
    Sanchez
    Rudiger TAA Cancelo
    Salah (c) Mbeumo Gray Foden
    ASM Lukaku Antonio

    3.8 ITB
    Current plan is to switch ASM to Hwang for next gw and then save ft's to facilitate Gray to Son for GW12

    any thoughts? am I overlooking something?

    any advice would be much appreciated

    1. OleGGMU
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      apologies bench : Steele, Duffy, Marcal, Raphinha

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

        Duffy in for Rudiger this week is fine, if he is out.

  14. chelseabrad
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Coufal > Cancelo for -4?

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

      Not for a hit

    2. OleGGMU
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Personally not a fan of hits for defenders, but in this instance i think its is okay ,if you are comfortable wiv taking the hit, as this is a long term pick given city's upcoming fixtures and the minutes he has been getting.
      Of course should Zinchenko return it will ask questions but cancelo is quite versatile having played in mid aswell to go with being able to cover both full back positions. As long as you have decent playing bench to cover the pep roulette swerve , its all good imo

  15. MysticMac17
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Who would you start out of Livramento (home Leeds), Sarr (home Pool) and Mbuemo (home Chelsea) this week?

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

      Sarr

    2. sirmorbach
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Mbeumo.

    3. Weak Become Heros
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Im coming around to the idea of Mbeumo with Rudiger possibly out. If not Liv.

  16. Weak Become Heros
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Hold Foden for 3 weeks then move to Jota I like the look of.

  17. vova
    • 13 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Play 1:

    A) Raphinha
    B) Toney
    C) Livramento

    Thanks!

    1. sirmorbach
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Toney.

    2. Weak Become Heros
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      B. Pen taker.

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

    Tempted to hit wildcard.

    Should I?

    0FT

    Ramsdale Foster
    TAA Rudiger Coufal Veltman Williams
    Salah Bruno Raph Benrahma Brownhill
    Jimenez Antonio ASM

    1. sirmorbach
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      I was in a similar situation and hit it.

  19. sirmorbach
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Thoughts on Son on WC?

    1. My heart goes Salalalalah
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Yes for me

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

      Yeah

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

        Keep changing my mind but yes if you can get him

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

    Beginning to think may need to WC. How does this squad look? James a risk but looks to be back in training and cannot afford more. Leaves 0.0 m in bank.

    Ramsdale
    TAA Cancelo James Duffy
    Salah Son Foden Raphinha
    Lukaku Hwang

    Foster Mbeumo Livramento Archer

    1. Buck The Trent
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      solid team

    2. My heart goes Salalalalah
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Spot on imo. Maybe Toney + 4.5 mid in place of Mbeumo Hwang. But I get Mbeumo OOP etc

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

        Thanks- good shout and would give me option to get Chilwell over James

        1. My heart goes Salalalalah
          • 7 Years
          2 years, 5 months ago

          Read all over on here that James is expected to play. Huge upside and saves some cash over Chilwell

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

            Cheers for pointing this out

    3. FFSbet.com
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Hwang could be problem as 2nd forward

    4. Sun Jihai
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Perfect WC team, really really nice. Good job!

  21. AC Yew
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Any ides what I should do - 1FT 2.9 ITB.

    Sanchez (Foster)
    Duffy Dias Shaw (Coufal Tsimi)
    Jota Bruno Salah (C) Benrahma (Raphinha)
    ASM Antonio Lukaku

    Get rid of Coufal, Jota?

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

      Bin Shaw for Cancello.

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

    White or Duffy. Have Ramsdale

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

      Duffy

  23. tommo-uk-
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Are people going off Son for WC?

    1. The 12th Man
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      If I was on WC this week I think I’d have him.

  24. Fpl Richie
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    ESR vs Saka.

    Simple one, is the latter worth it over the former?

    In my case (on WC) the former allows Mahrez, the latter allows Foden. Either would probably go for a rogue Chelsea mid punt next week.

  25. sirmorbach
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Foden likely to play at least next two?

  26. The 12th Man
    • 10 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Thoughts on Ronaldo,Gilmour > Son,Toney -4 this week.

    Will cover any no shows.
    Ronaldo was going next week anyway.

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

      It depends if you think Ronaldo will haul against a weak Leicester defence and suck up Dennis for a week

    2. DandyDon
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      I wouldn’t as I don’t think Toney has a good fixture this week and expecting Ron to do well this week (despite me selling him to Lukaku). Not worth it for Son and Spurs who are so unpredictable right now. Foden?

      1. The 12th Man
        • 10 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        Yeh thinking about Foden and Antonio instead.

  27. Steve The Spud
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 4 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    At least Christensen is nailed for his 2 pointer

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

      Yes that is what worries me 🙂

  28. DandyDon
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Considering how understrength Leeds will be is Vardy and Traore to Armstrong and Foden worth a -8? (Already did Ron to Lukaku).

    Think I’ve got the best points out of Vardy, the legend, before a more difficult run for him. Hate taking him out when he’s on a scoring run though as they often last 8-10 games!

    I did take a -12 last season and get a green arrow so not averse to taking a risky hit or two!

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

      No, Man U don't have a defence

    2. Nate(U)dog(ie)
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      The worry I have with Armstrong is that he doesn't exactly have any form going into that game. Not that I don't think he can haul but Leeds are always that bit more solid when Llorente is playing and after getting their first clean sheet and having no Bamford and likely no Raphinha, I wouldn't be too surprised if they do play a little bit more defensive (compared to their usual style anyway)

      1. DandyDon
        • 5 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        Yes true but I saw Adams is now injured so no competition. No Ayling and Phillips though…

    3. DandyDon
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Or -12 to get in Armstrong, Salah and Cancelo for Vardy, Traore and TAA. Don’t really want to take out TAA with a good fixture but that’s what it takes it get in Salah for the same good fixture! Think Cancelo will do better next 3 but unsure if he starts with Brazil’s fixture!?

  29. Big_Andy_GAWA
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Chris Wood off the underside in the 12th minute this weekend would certainly cause some mayhem amongst FPL enthusiasts... =o|