Team News

Injury updates, team news and predicted line-ups for FPL Gameweek 8

Gameweek 8 is upon us and we’ve got all the important team news information in our latest press conference summary of the week.

You can catch the headline updates from Thursday’s pressers – featuring Leeds United, Arsenal, Southampton, Burnley, Burnley and Brighton and Hove Albion – in the link below.

For much more detailed information, check out our Predicted Line-ups page and Injuries and Bans feed plus Az and Neale’s video here:

CHELSEA

Antonio Rudiger has been ruled out of Chelsea’s short trip to Brentford after picking up a minor back injury on international duty. However, Romelu Lukaku is fine to play despite withdrawing from the Belgium squad because of muscle fatigue.

“Antonio Rudiger came back injured from the national team, he is also not available. [Thiago Silva] played 90 minutes, he has 12 hours of travelling. That gives the answer maybe about his availability – he is not.” – Thomas Tuchel

Christian Pulisic is still out with an ankle injury, with Hakim Ziyech missing the last two sessions with a headache.

There was no mention of Reece James, seemingly fine to play after being pictured in training this week. The right wing-back hurt his ankle against Manchester City in Gameweek 6.

LIVERPOOL

Trent Alexander-Arnold and Diogo Jota should both be fine to face Watford for the Saturday lunchtime kick-off, after recovering from recent muscle issues.

“Trent and Diogo are available; at least, they were yesterday.” – Jurgen Klopp

However, Fabinho and Alisson have been declared unavailable and will instead meet the squad in Madrid for the midweek Champions League game. Various Premier League managers are dealing with the problems brought on by early Friday morning South American matches, with Jurgen Klopp deciding not to call on this Brazilian pair.

Thiago (calf) and Harvey Elliott (ankle) are still unavailable, joined by Curtis Jones returning from under-21 duty with an injury.

MANCHESTER CITY

Ferran Torres scored twice for Spain against Italy last week but then fractured his foot and is set to miss the rest of 2021.

“[Ferran Torres] will be out two-and-a-half months to three months. Bone metatarsal. [Oleksandr] Zinchenko is back, [Ilkay] Gundogan is back. The rest are okay.” – Pep Guardiola

Gabriel Jesus and Ederson also miss out because of their involvement in Brazil’s Friday match but Ilkay Gundogan and Oleksandr Zinchenko are fit.

MANCHESTER UNITED

Raphael Varane sustained a groin injury in the UEFA Nations League final and will be out for a few weeks but Marcus Rashford‘s return from a shoulder problem is edging closer.

“He’s in the squad, if he’s gonna start or not, I can’t tell you now. He’s worked really hard throughout the lay-off. He’s raring to go.” – Ole Gunnar Solskjaer

The Red Devils have also confirmed that Edinson Cavani and Fred will not play against Leicester City, having taken part in Brazil vs Uruguay. Harry Maguire (calf) is back training as of Friday.

ASTON VILLA

Dean Smith has confirmed that Emiliano Martinez and Douglaz Luiz “will be in the squad” this weekend, despite being involved in Argentina and Brazil’s Friday matches.

Summer signing Leon Bailey still misses out because of the thigh injury sustained during his excellent Gameweek 5 cameo against Everton.

“Unfortunately, Leon [Bailey] hasn’t ticked all the boxes for the medical department, we are hopeful that he will be back in training after the Wolves game.” – Dean Smith

Bertrand Traore is also being assessed for a thigh injury and may not make Saturday’s match, while Morgan Sanson and Keinan Davis are back in training.

WOLVERHAMPTON WANDERERS

Yerson Mosquera (thigh), Pedro Neto and Jonny Castro (both knee) are long-term absentees, with Francisco Trincao revealed to be training at home after testing positive for Covid-19 during the international break.

EVERTON

Rafael Benitez has dismissed fears of a Lucas Digne injury, having withdrawn from the France squad due to a minor hamstring issue. However, there still won’t be a return for Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Andre Gomes or Richarlison for the meeting with West Ham United.

“Lucas is fine, Richarlison and Calvert-Lewin are closer but still won’t be available for this game. [Andre Gomes and Fabian Delph] are still not available.”

Seamus Coleman and Alex Iwobi also returned to training this week.

NEWCASTLE UNITED

The still-in-charge Steve Bruce has confirmed that a memorable international break on Tyneside has ended with the boost of a returning Callum Wilson, Jamaal Lascelles and Jonjo Shelvey. Only Martin Dubravka (foot) and Paul Dummett (calf) are absent.

LEICESTER CITY

The return of centre-back Jonny Evans may finally be here, having been seemingly on the verge for several Gameweeks. Brendan Rodgers is hopeful that a tailored plan for Evans has worked, allowing him to face former club Man United on Saturday.

“We’ve had a plan for him [Evans] this week. Unfortunately, it meant he wasn’t able to go away with his international team, but there was a plan to try and allow him to arrive into the game tomorrow. Hopefully, all being well, after the session today, it looks like there’s no other effects.” 

James Justin (knee) and Wesley Fofana (leg) remain injured, as is Wilfred Ndidi (hamstring), whilst Jannik Vestergaard will be assessed on a knock sustained on international duty.

WEST HAM UNITED

David Moyes does not know whether the Hammers picked up any injuries during the past fortnight, cheekily adding that he would keep it secret anyway.

“We’re probably like everybody else. We’ve probably got one or two injuries, one or two people coming back from international duty that we’re having to look after. If I did have [any confirmed players missing], I probably wouldn’t tell you anyway! We might have some people who are not available.”

Vladimir Coufal played through a slight groin injury against Brentford but was forced to withdraw from Czech Republic duty because of it.

TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR

Nuno Espirito Santo wouldn’t commit to a decision on his four South American internationals – Giovani Lo Celso, Cristian Romero, Davinson Sanchez and Emerson Royal.

“They are flying now. They are joining us tomorrow, and that will be the right moment to see how they are. The news we have is that they all finished the matches well, so it’s about recovering and then, together, we have to assess them and then decide.” – Espirito Santo on Friday afternoon

He also says “it’s just a matter of time” until Steven Bergwijn (ankle) and Ben Davies (abdominal) return to action. Matt Doherty has a minor knock and Ryan Sessegnon is still doing physical work with sports science.

WATFORD

New head coach Claudio Ranieri believes Nicolas Nkoulou – also new to the club having signed on a free transfer last week – needs time to gain match fitness and won’t play against Liverpool.

Christian Kabasele and Francisco Sierralta both picked up hamstring strains in the Gameweek 7 defeat to Leeds United but Joshua King has returned to training after suffering a minor knee ligament problem at Elland Road. Peter Etebo has had surgery on his quad tear.

CRYSTAL PALACE

Eberechi Eze (Achilles) and Nathan Ferguson (Achilles) remain the Eagles’ only absentees, with Patrick Vieira not revealing any fresh concerns from international matches.

NORWICH CITY

Although Sam Byram (thigh) and Christoph Zimmermann (ankle) are still unavailable, manager Daniel Farke is pleased to report a mostly-fit squad.

“Todd Cantwell is back in team training. All the players from internationals came back in a good mood. Milot Rashica was struggling with some knee problems but that all seems to be okay, and they seem to be all available.”

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523 Comments Post a Comment
  1. SADIO SANÉ
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 17 days ago

    My Pep-senses tell me that Gundog is hauling this week

  2. sirmorbach
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 17 days ago

    Is Foden actually likely to play for the next GWs at least?

    1. Riders of Yohan
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 17 days ago

      Trying to second guess pep is impossible, especially with champions league rotation

      1. Eastman
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 17 days ago

        He’s just worth the risk imo. He’s playing well, plays for City and doesn’t break the bank. If he doesnt start I’ll live with it.

  3. Atimis
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 17 days ago

    Is there some common conclusion on these?

    1) Raph to start or benched? Recon benched?
    2) Rudi out for a GW or longer? If so, James a good replacement?
    3) Foden worth a punt for next 3? Tempted myself.

    1. Cheeky Onion
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 17 days ago

      1 benched
      2 hopefully just 1 GW
      3 Foden/Grealish/Mahrez/Silva/Gundo take your pick. Tempted also

  4. Riders of Yohan
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 17 days ago

    Bottomed…

    Already on a -4 as made Shaw + ronaldo -> Cancelo + Lukaku last Sunday. Was to avoid being priced out btw.

    Do I…

    A) keep current team:

    Sanchez
    TAA, Cancelo, Rudiger*
    Salah, Jota, Benrahma, Raph*
    Lukaku, Antonio, ASM

    Steele. Semedo, livra, sissoko

    B) WC:

    Sanchez
    TAA, Cancelo, James
    Salah, Son, Raph, mbeumo, Gallagher
    Lukaku, Antonio

    Steele. White, livra, Davis

  5. SADIO SANÉ
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 17 days ago

    How did Reece James go from water polo team to fully fit that quick? Has it been 100% confirmed?

    1. Holmes
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 17 days ago

      Everyone is following: "No news is good news" motto

      1. SADIO SANÉ
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 17 days ago

        Is that it really? I thought he’d still be a couple of weeks away...

        1. Kroos-Control
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 17 days ago

          He's available, hes been training with the team as he has been pictured in training.

          1. jaguar shark
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 11 Years
            3 years, 17 days ago

            +1 here, photos of him in training from earlier in the week

          2. SADIO SANÉ
            • 9 Years
            3 years, 17 days ago

            cheers

  6. The Pesci challenge
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 17 days ago

    Go cancelo or play safe and get Dias with zinchenko coming back?

    1. Philosopher's Stones
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 17 days ago

      Cancelo

      1. The Pesci challenge
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 17 days ago

        Thank you, you, you

    2. Riders of Yohan
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 17 days ago

      Cancelo 100%

      1. The Pesci challenge
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 17 days ago

        Thanks

  7. Il Capitano
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 17 days ago

    1FT - 0.5m ITB - WC available

    Sanchez
    TAA White Livra Shaw
    Salah Jota Sarr
    Ronaldo Antonio ASM

    Steele - Raph* Gilmour Rudiger*

    Shaw to Laporte or Rudi to Cancelo?

  8. King Kohli
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 17 days ago

    Is this too punty on WC?

    Ramsdale Foster
    TAA Cancelo Dias James Livramento
    Salah Mahrez Raphinha Mbeumo Brownhill
    Lukaku Antonio Hwang

    1. Holmes
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 17 days ago

      Other than Mahrez, it looks like a normal team to me.

    2. The Pesci challenge
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 17 days ago

      Mahrez is one too many but I like the rest

      1. King Kohli
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 17 days ago

        Just a one week punt, will move to Mount in gw9

        1. The Pesci challenge
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 10 Years
          3 years, 17 days ago

          Fair enough, method behind the madness

        2. Pep bites Kun
          • 8 Years
          3 years, 17 days ago

          Fair enough. It's a worthy punt as you understand the risks. Hope it works out!

    3. Riders of Yohan
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 17 days ago

      Mahrez not worth it

    4. Dangerous Rhubarb
      • 15 Years
      3 years, 17 days ago

      Its pep roulette with Mehrez......he could score big......equally he could be on the bench ans come on for 1 point.

      You could always downgrade him next week if things go badly?

      1. King Kohli
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 17 days ago

        Plan to move him on in gw 9 regardless

  9. Cheeky Onion
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 17 days ago

    Do we recon Rudiger is back for GW9?

    1. The Pesci challenge
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 17 days ago

      I think so, I just think it’s a rest this week

    2. Salan
      • 15 Years
      3 years, 17 days ago

      Unknown. I usually avoid an injured player without return date.

  10. damiang2233
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 17 days ago

    Best replacement for Coufal?

  11. gomez123
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 17 days ago

    Start A) Adama Traore or B) Semedo

  12. EffPeeEll
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 17 days ago

    Anyone contemplating, bringing in, or both bringing in and captaining Mahrez?

    1. Riders of Yohan
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 17 days ago

      No

  13. Manani
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 17 days ago

    save FT?

    Sanchez
    TAA Livermento White Cancelo
    Sarr Benrahm Jota Salah
    Lukaku Antonio
    (Raphinna Rudiger 4.5m fwd)

    1. The Pesci challenge
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 17 days ago

      I think you will be alright to save

  14. Jokesy87
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 17 days ago

    A) Rudi -> Laporte
    B) Rudi -> Dias
    C) Rudi -> Azpi
    D) keep Rudi

    Other def: cancelo Christensen Duffy livramento

    1. The Pesci challenge
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 17 days ago

      Keep

    2. Cheeky Onion
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 17 days ago

      You have good cover for him - keep. Hopefully back next GW

  15. Dangerous Rhubarb
    • 15 Years
    3 years, 17 days ago

    Guys.....

    On a WC.....chose A or B

    A. Duffy & Antonio
    B Walker/Laporte & Tony

    1. Kroos-Control
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 17 days ago

      B for sure.

    2. Lennox142320
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 17 days ago

      B

      1. Dangerous Rhubarb
        • 15 Years
        3 years, 17 days ago

        Thanks

    3. King Kohli
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 17 days ago

      Can you do White instead of Duffy?
      Antonio till gw 9/10 then move to Toney

      1. Dangerous Rhubarb
        • 15 Years
        3 years, 17 days ago

        Sadly not....

        I need to do both today as 8 have the exact cash to do both moves hence the decision. I think West ham and Brightons fixtures aren't looking good

  16. Maddi Son
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 17 days ago

    Thoughts on Ronaldo & Gallagher > Hwang & De Bruyne for free? It also free's up 0.6 which will allow me to do Semedo > R.James for free next week.

  17. Lennox142320
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 17 days ago

    Thoughts on Laporte in for Coady over Dias? Have Cancelo, Christensen, TAA and Livra already. Too much of a rotation risk? Have money for either Laporte or Dias

  18. 1912 F.A Cup Winners
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 17 days ago

    Evening all!! Best option here???

    A- Play Alonso
    B- Play Wood
    C- Wood to Toney -4 or any forward upto 6.8?? And bench Alonso

    Cheers all!!

  19. Cheeky Onion
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 17 days ago

    Bottomed....

    Need to balance fielding 11 this week, while building up Che/City players going forward. 1FT & 1.9ITM

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

    Foster - Tsim - Brownhill - Raph*

    A) Tsim > Livra (Reguilon > Cancelo/Dias next week)
    B) Tsim > Laporte (Ronaldo + Reguilon > Lukaku/Vardy + Cancelo next week -4)
    C) Rudiger > Cancelo (Reguilon > Dias next week)
    D) Raph > Foden/Grealish (Ronaldo + Reguilon > Lukaku/Vardy + Cancelo next week -4)

    I'm between A and B at the moment

  20. ace3.1415
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 17 days ago

    Best mid under 8.1 for a one week punt?

    1. Rupert The Horse
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 17 days ago

      Foden.

  21. Disco Stu
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 17 days ago

    Which one would you go with?

    A. James

    B. Alonso

    C Chillwell

    1. jaguar shark
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 17 days ago

      I’m going James for long term bet, short term risk prob

  22. Rupert The Horse
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 17 days ago

    Due to injuries and uncertainty, was this an amazing week to wild card or a bad week to wild card?

    1. La Roja
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 17 days ago

      The latter

      1. Rupert The Horse
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 17 days ago

        I feel the same. I feel like I haven’t done anything with it.

    2. The Final Boss
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 17 days ago

      The only uncertainty is raphinha and major injury is Rudiger. Apart from that anything else? Those two can be easily sortable in a wc right?

      1. Rupert The Horse
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 17 days ago

        I hope so. I just feel that could have been done for a hit.

  23. AD105
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 17 days ago

    WC GTG?

    Ramsdale Foster
    TAA Cancelo Azpi Duffy Livra
    Salah Raph Saka Mbuemo Brownhill
    Lukaku Antonio Jimi

    1. KUNingas
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 17 days ago

      Yep for sure

    2. Kroos-Control
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 17 days ago

      Looks good, are you not tempted by any city MID? Also maybe toney over antonio long term.

      1. AD105
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 17 days ago

        Massive fan of Toney, once Brentford get Chelsea and Leicester out the way he will be in my team, I looked at downgrading Antonio but can’t really afford anyone better in midfield with the spare funds so will leave for the next 2 weeks

      2. AD105
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 17 days ago

        And was by Foden but not convinced by his minutes, age old problem lol

    3. jaguar shark
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 17 days ago

      Looks good. No Son though…

      1. AD105
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 17 days ago

        My only concern, can’t have them all though, plan to bring him in in a few weeks though

  24. ⚔★Vibudh★⚔
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 17 days ago

    Townsend or ESR?

    1. Rupert The Horse
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 17 days ago

      Great question. I have both at the moment. I’d edge Townsend.

  25. The Final Boss
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 17 days ago

    Why everybody selling Rudiger especially he has got good fixtures and may be back next gw.?

    1. Pompel
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 17 days ago

      But will he be back? If not, there are better alternatives both from Chelsea and City

  26. Maddi Son
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 17 days ago

    There any particular reason why there's no talk of KDB? Or is it just because of his price / form?

    1. Kroos-Control
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 17 days ago

      People usually have 2 premiums CR7/Lukaku and Salah hard to fit kdb in

      1. Maddi Son
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 17 days ago

        Ah yeah fair enough. I'm thinking of offloading Ronaldo but might be a week too early.

        1. Kroos-Control
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 17 days ago

          I've got CR7 too really wanna move to Lukaku this week but just not worth the -4 imo.

      2. Rupert The Horse
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 17 days ago

        Yeah really hard.

    2. Rupert The Horse
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 17 days ago

      12m is a hell of a lot.

      1. Maddi Son
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 17 days ago

        You recon Ronaldo outscores him over the next few fixtures mate? I have two FT's and I'm thinking KDB could be a great 'punt'

    3. The Final Boss
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 17 days ago

      Price may be. Salah kaku most preferred premiums.

  27. Kroos-Control
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 17 days ago

    Priority of transfer 3.1m ITB
    Jota to Foden
    Williams to Cancelo ( don't have any city defensive cover)
    Or both for a -4?

  28. KUNingas
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 17 days ago

    Soon we can take Lamptey in?

    1. Rupert The Horse
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 17 days ago

      Yes soon

      1. KUNingas
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 17 days ago

        Too soon to take on WC already If bench can cover?

        1. Athletico Underachieving
          • 4 Years
          3 years, 17 days ago

          I’d steer clear for a bit yet, he’s been out for aaages

  29. PascalCygan
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 17 days ago

    Plan all IB was to do Williams to Cancelo. Still the right move here?

    And start Marcal or Raphinha?

    Would leave me with 0FT 0.0ITB
    Sanchez
    TAA Cancelo Livramento
    Salah Raphinha* ESR Gray Gallagher
    Lukaku Ronaldo

    Steel Marcal Rudiger** Street

    Thanks

  30. Footieboot
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 17 days ago

    A) Rudiger --> Cancelo
    B) Greenwood --> Grealish
    C) Marcal --> Christensen

    1. Kroos-Control
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 17 days ago

      I would do B, but to foden

    2. AC/DC AFC
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 17 days ago

      Prefer A if you don't want Rudiger back too quick.

      Or C.

    3. wulfrunian
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 17 days ago

      b