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. wulfrunian
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Would you start Shaw or Coady?

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

      Coady

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

        cheers

    2. Rupert The Horse
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Coady

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

        cheers

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

      Don't think Wolves will triumph away at Villa.

      Could he get an attacking return.

      Shaw more likely.

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

      Both will concede, Shaw piles more attacking threat.

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

    Folks, what would you do here ?
    Need some help

    A) Rudiger to James or someone else
    B) Save ft

    Ramsdale
    Cancelo Christenson Livramento
    Salah Gallagher Raphinia Saka
    Kane Lukaku Antonio

    Foster DLuiz Rudiger Williams

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

      Save unless you're confident you want James long term.

    2. Lets jump straight into it.
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Rudi to Dias

      (or Chilwell....

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

        Surely Chilwell is a massive rotation risk ?

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

    Please rate this wc team.

    Ramsdale
    TAA, Dias, Azpilicueta
    Salah, mbeumo, Raphinha, 8.5
    Toney, Antonio, Lukaku

    Foster, Duffy, Livramento, 4.5 mid

    Any suggestions for the final midfield slot?

    1. Lets jump straight into it.
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Foden?

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

    With Curtis Jones injured as well, looks like jota chances of starting just went up?

    1. Rupert The Horse
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Is that a question or a statement?

    2. EffPeeEll
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      it is gone not went
      hth

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

        Don't show your ignorance.

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

      Wow...ppl on here.

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

    Worth doing Rudi to James?
    With Raph, I may be down to 10 playing this week.

    Also, would you add Greenwood to Foden for -4?

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

      Would probabky do the 2nd one, as Brentford are more than capable of scoring a goal, more so with Rud/Silva out now.

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

      No and no

  6. TKC07
    • 4 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Bench 2 and order of bench? Currently on C D bench..

    A) White
    B) Mbeumo
    C) Gallagher
    D) Livra

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

    Who scores more?

    A. Doucoure WHU WAT Wol
    B. Cancelo BUR Bri PAL

    Doucoure Shaw
    Cancelo Livramento

    1. Big boy Bowen
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      The one you don’t go for LOL

      1. Big boy Bowen
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        I’d say B though.

        Reckon he’s gonna mega haul soon

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

          Yep I was going to do B for sure but of course I own Rudiger. Thanks mate

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

        Oh I know that lol Cancelo benching incoming

  8. ZeBestee
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    For those who want to take out Rud;

    Antonio Rudiger didn’t train as a precautionary measure, he received treatment and was doing well today," Germany boss Hansi Flick said ahead of the game with North Macedonia. "It was a precautionary measure for Toni Rüdiger. The final training was more a matter of regeneration anyway. So it was okay for him was in the hotel."

    Precautionary measure which turns out he is indeed injured. There is a good chance he misses only 1 game, and there is also a chance he misses more games with the unpredictability of a back injury.

    1. ratski
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Yeah but the real dilemma is what do you do if you have him on a WC?

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

        Won't bring in on WC tbh.

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

          I think bench if you own, but don't bring in is a sensible approach

      2. Lets jump straight into it.
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        Bin him, back problems come back and back and back.

        Azpi (nailed), Chilwell (coming into form?) or James (toomuchtooyoung) ?

        1. ratski
          • 13 Years
          2 years, 5 months ago

          Their wing back slots is a bigger lottery than man city's attack!

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

      That is whe way I see, the fact he hasn't trained at all is telling with a back injury

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

    1) Christiansen + white ( have ramsdale)
    2) azpi + 3.9 def

  10. Big boy Bowen
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Raphinha in scout picks - is he expected to start then?

    1. Skonto Rigga
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Nah he's not, it just takes a while for the changes to tick over! Should be updated now if you refresh.

      1. Big boy Bowen
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        Nice one thank you, I should have noticed the gameweek no.

  11. Pabster
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    A) Armstrong and Saka
    or
    B) Jimi and ESR

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

      B all day

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

        Cheers

  12. Totalfootball
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Who starts, Alonos Or Chilwell?

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

      Alonso i think. He did well for Spain and is first choice atm imo.

    2. Lets jump straight into it.
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Alonso this one but Chillywell for the future ...

  13. Pep Roulette
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Hey fam! What would you do here? 1 FT 0.2 ITB

    Sanchez
    TAA Livramento Lowton
    Salah(C) Bruno Odegaard Sarr Gray
    Ronaldo Antonio

    Steele Tsimikas Scarlett Rudiger

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

      Save

    2. ZeBestee
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Lowton to Duffy for long term

  14. Stranger Mings
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Seems to be a suggestion that tierney could be dropped? Is that likely ?

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

      I'd be surprised

      1. Stranger Mings
        • 3 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        I think unlikely (hopefully)

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

      Who suggested?

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

        Finding Timo seemed too

        1. Stranger Mings
          • 3 Years
          2 years, 5 months ago

          Football.London seem to suggest

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

      For who, madness!

      1. Stranger Mings
        • 3 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        Tavares

  15. Stranger Mings
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Football.London

  16. kamdaraji
    • 14 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Team in a mess but do you suggest rolling my transfer and is team g2g? Play Traore over Semedo? Would have two free transfers next week

    Raya
    Duffy TAA Alonso Livramento
    Bissouma Salah Benrahma Traore
    Lukaku Ronaldo

    Subs: Semedo, Dennis,Raphina

  17. damiang2233
    • 14 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Play one of the below.

    1. Coufal
    2. Benrahma
    3. Gray

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

      3

    2. Jafalad
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Benny.

  18. CoracAld2831
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Please bench two:

    A: White
    B: Benrahma
    C: Raphinha
    D: Mbeumo

    1. Jafalad
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      I don't think the reply button is working.

      1. Jafalad
        • 14 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        Oh it is. Probably C and D but that is a tricky one. You have to assume Raph will not play and Mbuemo against CHS will yield few points.

  19. Wolfman180
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Sanchez
    TAA Rudiger Cancelo
    Salah Sarr Havertz Gray
    Ronaldo Antonio Toney

    Steele, Veltman, Livramento, Douglas Luiz
    0.5itb 2ft

    I'm using 1ft to do Havertz to Foden,
    Worth moving Rudiger to say a Dias or roll transfer?

    1. Jafalad
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Just do the Foden trade.

  20. Brad1807
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Hey guys I have 3.6 itb and 1 ft

    Any help or ideas would be appreciated.

    Sanchez , foster
    Rudiger , alonso , semado, regilion, livermanto

    Jota,salah,Gray,benrahma, bissouma

    Dennis , Antonio, Ronaldo

  21. unclefester
    • 2 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Play Livramento or Emmanuel Dennis ??? Starting to freak it hahah