Team News

The latest news on Lukaku’s ankle injury ahead of FPL Gameweek 9

Romelu Lukaku (£11.7m) looks set to miss Gameweek 9 of Fantasy Premier League (FPL) after twisting his ankle in Wednesday’s UEFA Champions League.

The Belgian limped out of Chelsea’s 4-0 win over Malmo and while an exact timeframe on his recovery is still not known, Blues boss Thomas Tuchel confirmed after full-time that his striker would miss “some matches”.

Lukaku was the second most-bought FPL forward of Gameweek 9 before news of his injury broke, sitting in over a third (36.3%) of Fantasy squads in total.

Well over 60% of the top 10,000 FPL managers owned the Belgium international, too.

Lukaku had also been top of our captaincy poll for the upcoming Gameweek, with over half of our voters backing the premium striker with the armband:

We’ve now reset the results of that poll, which you can vote on again in the sidebar of this page.

TUCHEL’S COMMENTS ON LUKAKU’S INJURY AND ROTATION

It was a double-whammy for Chelsea on the injury front, with Timo Werner (£8.6m) succumbing to a hamstring strain shortly before the interval.

Tuchel said of his injured strike duo:

“Romelu twisted his ankle with the foul in the box and Timo has a hamstring injury. It will take a while for both of them. We need more examinations to be more precise but they will be out for some matches.

“If I knew before [the game], I wouldn’t have [started Lukaku]. But how can you know it before and it was necessary that he was on the pitch and he started very strong. I spoke with him about the situation, that I think that he carries a bit of mental fatigue around with him. I think that is also normal but he is our number nine and is our reference upfront.

“The best thing against mental fatigue is a goal and we knew that we could be the dominant team. We knew that we wanted to build our attack today with Mason and Timo around him and him as the reference up front in the middle.

“I had the strong belief that in a Champions League match he could turn things around in terms of scoring and being decisive, which he actually did because he was super strong in our start. He took the foul and without him maybe it’s not 2-0,

“So no, I don’t regret it. It’s not a muscle injury or because of physical fatigue. He is a little bit overplayed, this is my opinion and maybe I’m not even right. This was a moment to give him confidence and let him play. I don’t regret it, things like this can happen. It was bad luck.”

There were also some ominous words on rotation from Tuchel, who named a strong team for a routine win over the Swedes:

“This will be maybe one of the shortest pre-match meetings in my history of coaching because we want everything on the same level. We have the chance to switch on some positions, to demand from everybody physically the same input.”

Ben Chilwell (£5.7m), Cesar Azpilicueta (£6.2m) and Andreas Christensen (£5.1m) started their second successive matches of the week, although the first two of those were handed breathers midway through the second half.

Antonio Rudiger (£5.8m) and Thiago Silva (£5.5m) were both back in the starting XI after missing Gameweek 8 but Reece James (£5.5m) and Marcos Alonso (£5.9m) were again only substitutes.

WHO PLAYS UP FRONT NOW FOR CHELSEA?

On the assumption that Werner and Lukaku do indeed miss Gameweek 9, Chelsea need a new attacking spearhead against the Canaries.

With the likes of Olivier Giroud, Tammy Abraham and Michy Batshuayi gone from the club either on a permanent basis or on loan, the European champions are short of options up top.

Enter Kai Havertz (£8.1m).

The German replaced Lukaku after 24 minutes of Wednesday’s clash, going on to score his side’s third goal with a fine finish having earlier wasted a clearer opening. Havertz racked up four shots in all, the most of anyone on show.

Havertz has occasionally played as false nine in the past and ended 2020/21 mostly being used in that role, although hasn’t had a look-in through the middle since Lukaku joined. He’ll very likely be the man playing centrally on Saturday and at 3.9% owned, is a veritable FPL differential for the visit of the Premier League’s basement club.

“Always, always a chance and it is always necessary to prove a point. We will have some games without Romelu and Timo so everyone is invited to join the race for minutes on the pitch.

“When they are on the pitch, they need to show their hunger and determination to be decisive and be in the box.

“This is how it is and they did it today but there’s still room to improve and on Saturday we need the same performance, hunger and determination from whoever starts for us because we need goals to win matches. We want to find solutions without Romelu and Timo, that’s clear. Everyone will join the race to be decisive for us.” – Thomas Tuchel on Kai Havertz and Callum Hudson-Odoi

WHO ARE THE BEST LUKAKU REPLACEMENTS IN FPL?

We’ll have an article out tomorrow looking at the best replacements for the Belgian in FPL.

In the meantime, you can propose your own alternatives in our Hot Topic and see what our Rate My Team projections think for the coming six Gameweeks.

1,519 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Corona is not good 4 U
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Shaw, Greenwood and Ronaldo -> Cancelo, Son and Ings for - 4?

    Yes or No?

    Thank you!

    1. waldo666
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      No.

  2. steven8991
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Foden +4pts or Son?

    1. NABIL - FPL otai
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Foden+4

      Son can wait for GW12 imo

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

    Looks like whatever the answer is for Luk we have time to think about it

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

      I meant that to be a yes/no ?

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

    Sanchez
    Rudiger Livramento Cancelo
    Raphinha Salah Foden Sarr
    Toney Vardy Antonio
    (Steele Semedo Allan Llorente)

    This is where I'm at now, like many I've done Lukaku to Vardy now. Question is whether to go for Havertz for a hit now. The plan was to keep Sarr for two more weeks (v Everton and Soton) but if I want Havertz I need to drop him probably. I could get rid of Allan but I don't think I should be using transfers on enablers where I'll likely need to bring one in again later on, but even if I did do it I don't think I'd want to drop anyone of my front 7 anyway.

    So Sarr to Havertz for -4? Sarr wasn't going to stick in my team for much longer anyway so having to transfer Havertz out in a few weeks won't feel like as much of a hindrance as it could be.

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

      I used "now" too many times in those first few sentences

    2. NABIL - FPL otai
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Ronaldo & Sarr/Benrahma to Vardy & Havertz (-4) for me most likely.

      Worth the gamble given fixtures

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

      Yes, I reckon it's worth a -4 punt on Sarr to Havertz. Just gotta hope that Lukaku & Werner are out for a few GWs and that Havertz does the business in a revamped Chelsea front line.

  5. 11SPECIALONE11
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Who scores more points in the next 3 GWs?

    1.) Chilwell
    2.) Havertz

    Thanks

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

      2

    2. Athletico Underachieving
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Probs A due to clean sheets and attacking threat

  6. FPL Bond @ Twitter
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Lukaku and Alonso> Vardy and Chilwell for -4?

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

    WC draft:

    Raya, Foster
    Cancelo, Rudiger, Chilwell, Livra, Duffy
    Salah, Havertz, Raphinha, Townsend, Mbeumo
    Vardy, Auba, Edouard

    Thoughts?

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

      Would bench Mbeumo, Livra, Duffy in that order this GW.

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

      I have same midfield planned for WC this week.

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

        What about the forwards? Who you thinking?

    3. NABIL - FPL otai
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Ooh that looks tasty. I could be tempted to WC to that team.

      Jesus over auba imo

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

        Jesus could be a good shout. Just more of a rotation risk than Auba though.

        Also Auba has 3 pretty good home fixtures in the next 5. And an away fixture at Leicester who can't defend for sh*t.

        1. NABIL - FPL otai
          • 11 Years
          2 years, 5 months ago

          Yeah Auba still a good pick, on PK as well. Jesus could do well next 2 fixtures, so pretty much 50/50 call imo. Good luck!

    4. RogDog_jimmy
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      I’d want to find a way for double Liverpool attack - ideally with Mané.
      Auba > Toney and Mbeumo > Mané work? Probably a bit short.

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

        How about this?

        Raya, Foster
        Cancelo, Rudiger, Chilwell, Matip, Livra
        Salah, Mane, Havertz, Raphina, Townsend
        Iheanacho, Edouard, Toney

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

          i think Havartz might benefit from Luk/Werner absence

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

            Potentially. Might be worth a punt. I'm not entirely convinced and a bit torn on a WC.

            On the one hand gives me the opportunity to take advantage of the situation and get him in for free. On the other hand I'd be bringing in a player who may well just be a transfer waiting to happen.

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

              Who are ur strikers?

              I am on wc too, currently Vardy , jesus and broja

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

          What do you reckon @RogDog?

  8. Ruinenlust
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    KEep Ings or Antonio?

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

    Just want to let you know that Ronaldo will score this weekend. Not sure how many, but he will score.

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

      Thanks for the heads up!

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

        Anytime. My crystal ball is in full swing.

    2. Salah’s Sonnet
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Can't even score against Villa Everton Leicester and barely against Atalanta, no chance against Liverppol, just my opinion of course.

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

        Fair enough. You're welcome to your opinion.

    3. tokara
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      as a United fan i can tell u are JOKING

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

        No, I am serious. I think we will have quite a few goals in that game.

  10. steven8991
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Lukaku > Vardy to be save

    or

    Lukaku > Auba & D.Luiz > Havertz (-4) for fun?

  11. The White Pele
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    best Captain after Mo?

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

      Havertz

      1. JUNITED
        • 11 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        Not KDB?

    2. Alonso The Great Midfielder
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      son or kane

  12. Ragabolly
    • 14 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Risers: Mbeumo (5.6) Kovacic (5.3)

    Fallers: Barnes (6.6) Albrighton (5.3) Dallas (5.2)

    1. NABIL - FPL otai
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Cheers ragamuffin!

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

      Mbeumo bandwagon in full effect.

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

      Cheers RB

      Mbuemo finally rises after over a week at 95+

  13. RogDog_jimmy
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Ok a bit happened today huh?!

    Ramsdale
    Dias, Cancelo, Azpiliqueta, Livramento
    Salah, Jota, Raphinha
    Antonio, Jimenez, Lukaku

    (Foster, Benrahma, Brownhill, Duffy)

    1ft, 2.0itb

    Options are;

    a/ Benrahma > Havertz (keep and bench Lukaku)
    b/ Lukaku > anyone…Vardy probably, maybe Kane
    c/ Lukaku & Benrahma > Toney & KDB/Mané (-4)
    d/ Lukaku & Benrahma > Vardy & Havertz (-4)

    Last two mean benching Livramento for a hit - so would hope they really outscore him.

    1. NABIL - FPL otai
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      I'm very likely doing D

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

        Feels nice yeah?
        And tempted to C Havertz even. Which seems silly.

        1. NABIL - FPL otai
          • 11 Years
          2 years, 5 months ago

          Not silly just idiotic 😛

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

      I created a very similar post (see bottom of previous page), and ended up doing D.

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

        Ah yep. Makes sense and I like when things make sense.

        My only concern is the hit going to pay off because I have the money itb to do Bennie > Havertz direct.

        Livramento (BUR) + 4 pts
        Vardy (bre)

        This is pretty close to me. And I think Livramento could be favorite to score more.

        1. nerd_is_the_werd
          • 4 Years
          2 years, 5 months ago

          I'd probably do Benrahma --> Havertz if possible.

          Livramento + 4 scores more than Vardy imo (probably about even without the hit).
          Brentford away is a hard fixture.

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

      How long you planning to keep Havertz?
      They just don’t create enough for me to warrant another attacker, plus you’ll use another transfer to take him out in the next month.

      Holding Lukaku for “multiple games” is guaranteed red arrow

      Can you afford Vardy and Son (even via Jota)

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

        Yep - Vardy and Son works with Jota.

        It pains me as I had Son and took a hit to move him to Jota (& Rudi > Azpi) due to the covid thing. So going back is a hard pill to swallow. And now I can’t go right back in one move.

        Also - Jota is someone I’d like to keep longer than Bennie for sure.

        It’s a valid point on Havertz. The Toney & Mané/KDB one feels exciting to me.

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

          if you're not fussed for spurs right now then toney + kdb looks good. I favour him over Mane with possible pens and better bonus points

  14. fish&chips
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    A lot of vardy in transfers whist he's up against a tight Brentford this week. Is Toney a better option and move another forward to vardy next week?

    1. NABIL - FPL otai
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Maybe. I'm more attracted with his GW10 vs Arsenal tbh

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

        Yeah, that's the fixture I'm looking at too. Vardy likes playing Arsenal.

    2. The Knights Template
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Like a seagull to chips the punters are going to fly in their thousands to Vardy.

    3. tokara
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Brenford will attack and there will be goals

  15. NABIL - FPL otai
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Sarr or Benrahma to Havertz (-4)? The other guy will most likely become Raph next GW

    1. Klopp's Kids
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Benrahma if you have Antonio. Not sure about double West Ham now.

  16. Klopp's Kids
    • 10 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Which 3 to bring in for a -4? Got Vardy and Antonio. Taking out Saka, Benrahma and Lukaku.

    1. Son, Havertz, Toney (1.4M ITB)
    2. De Bruyne, Mount, Toney (0.3M ITB)
    3. De Bruyne, Havertz, Broja (1.0M ITB)

    1. NABIL - FPL otai
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      2

      1. Klopp's Kids
        • 10 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        Cheers

    2. Thomas Magnum
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      I’d go 2 and then can bring in Son later for good fixtures. 3 will end in tears

      1. Klopp's Kids
        • 10 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        True could end bad 🙂

        1. Thomas Magnum
          • 8 Years
          2 years, 5 months ago

          Just worried that it’s too early for Broja. Plus, if you get a week where you catch the wrong side of Pep and Tuchel rotation you’d be kicking yourself

  17. tom66
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Auba or Jesus for the next few GW? Thanks

    1. Thomas Magnum
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      I would go Jesus, but can understand if you’d be hesitant going with a city attacker

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

      See discussion on this further up the thread. I'd favour Auba with a decent run of fixtures, more nailed, on pens. Jesus a decent shout also but not for me.

  18. Tabbara
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Thoughts on
    Kane and Toney in for Lukaku and ronaldo (-4) or Vardy in for lukaku
    Thx

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

      See discussion on this further up the thread. I'd favour Auba with a decent run of fixtures, more nailed, on pens. Jesus a decent shout also but not for me.

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

        Sorry, reply fail!

        I'd keep it simple and go Lukaku - > Vardy this week. Think there will be plenty of hits so avoid if possible. Ronaldo vs Liverpool's shaky defence could pay off.

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

          if Ronaldo can even touch the ball at all with Pool pressing hard

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

      I'm not playing Toney this week I may even sell on WC Why everyone obsessed to get him this game week

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

        Sell on your WC? Can understand not playing him this week but I'd of thought you'd want to keep for the fixture run after Leicester?

        Who are you thinking for your forward line on the WC?

  19. FOO FIGHTER
    • 4 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    At least Chilwell looks set to start vs Norwich.

    1. Thomas Magnum
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Yep, bad for Alonso owners though as it likely means he’ll be relegated to Carabao cup duties. But who knows anymore with Tuchel

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

    Start Livramento or Benrahma guys?

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

      When in doubt start the attacker. Benrahma vs a porous Spurs defence. Livra a good option but still.

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

    Jota to raph -4?

  22. steven8991
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Keep James or change to Chilwell for -4?

    1. Alonso The Great Midfielder
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      give him one last chance

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

    No Love for Aubameyang to replace lukaku? 3 goals in last 5 matches

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

      Yeah. Seriously considering it. On pens. Decent run of fixtures including 3 good home games and away to Leicester who are leaking goals.

    2. Thomas Magnum
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      You’d have to compare him to other potential replacements but he’s a decent about if you want a differential

  24. FOO FIGHTER
    • 4 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Harvetz in for a hit seems to be rife. I bet there are many doing Lukaku out for a hit as well.

    I have gambled with a (-12).

    Team locked for GW9

    Raya
    Trent Chilwell Cancelo
    Raphinha (S)alah Son Gray
    Edouard Vardy Antonio

    Foster Livramento Hojbjerg Duffy

    1. Thomas Magnum
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Good luck, hope for you that your hits pay off again this week! Team looks solid though, people on WC likely looking to bring in a side like this. Why Hojbjerg, is there some good stats behind him or something like that

      1. FOO FIGHTER
        • 4 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        Based on the midfielders under 5mil he looks decent.

  25. Taegugk Warrior
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    azpi or chilwell...? duet with rudy at WC

    1. Thomas Magnum
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Seems Chilwell is more popular atm but that’s just FFS and the way they operate, I would go Azpi myself but depends as well I guess how you’d use the extra cash

    2. Alonso The Great Midfielder
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      chilwell

  26. the dom 1
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Havertz nailed on this GW then with Kaku and Wener both out?

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

      Probably 😛

    2. FOO FIGHTER
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Pretty much. Pity Pulisic is not fit. I would have got him in if he was now with both the blankers up top injured.

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

    Ronaldo was actually pretty bad against atlanta except that header . Didn't play like 12.5 m striker. At the same time he has 6 goals for united so far in 8 matches with 1 sub appearance which is more than decent. Not sure i should ditch him or play vs liverpool

    1. Alonso The Great Midfielder
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      liverpool still leaaking at the back. Im hold if i had him

  28. Alonso The Great Midfielder
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    greenwood to Son for free?

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

      I'm toying with the same move but now thinking Greenwood > Havertz might be a good punt then change to Son in a few GW's?

      1. Alonso The Great Midfielder
        • 12 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        Glad im not into Havertz punt

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

      I thought Liverpool still leaky at the back?

      1. Alonso The Great Midfielder
        • 12 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        yeah sure greenwood can score but he already gave me farewell goal last week.

  29. SpaceCadet
    • 10 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Transfer plans shattered with the lukaku injury. Any suggestions on what to do here?

    2fts, 1.3m itb

    Foster
    Taa cancelo rudiger
    Salah Jota Sarr doucoure Gallagher
    Ronaldo Antonio

    Sanchez semedo Omo Scarlett

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

      Get Havertz. Jota and Doucoure out

    2. Thomas Magnum
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Doucoure gotta go

    3. FOO FIGHTER
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Ronaldo > Vardy

      Jota > Son

      Doucoure > Mbeumo/Gray/Townsend or Raphinha if you can afford.

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

        Good shout. Can’t afford raph though. Maybe havertz and raph instead of son and mbeumo?

  30. HellasLEAF
    • 14 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Kaku to Vardy or

    Kaku to Antonio and extra funds