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. Gazza2000
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    A) Son and Vardy
    Or
    B) Kane and Foden

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

      kdb toney

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

      A

    3. Walter White (WW)
      • 2 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Clearly A

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

    Anyone else got a strong interest in Reece James and of the thought that Tuchel will go the more offensive fullback (Azpilicueta RCB)?

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

      I sincerely hope so mate

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

        Already an owner?

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

          Yep I got him last week on WC over Chilwell, do you own him?

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

            I do not.

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

              You gonna join the James train

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

      No matter what tuchel plans they will all rotate and miss occasional matches

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

        except Rudiger maybe

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

        yes, the only thing that scares me with James is the number of times he has been subbed on.

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

    How does Luk + Sarr > KDB + Toney -4 look? Not convinced Vardy/Kane is the way to go.

  4. Henning
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Vardy or Kane?
    Have Son in My team.

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

      Vardy

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

      I like Kane but I liked Ronaldo after Newcastle game as well, not anymore

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

    Anything worth a hit here? £1.4m ITB

    Sanchez, Foster
    TAA, Rudiger, White, Livramento, Amartey
    Salah, Foden, Benrahma, Raph, Bissouma
    Ronaldo, Antonio, ASM

    1. Gazza2000
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Nope

  6. Eleven Hag
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Is getting Harvetz for either Sarr or Benrahma worth it for a hit?

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

      No. Do you think he will score hattrick? Then yes

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

    Havertz or Jesus?

    Thinking of get Havertz to take advantage of Chelsea situation

  8. Ci Siamo
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Which moves are best?

    A) Lukaku and Ronaldo —> Kane and Vardy (-4)

    B) Lukaku, Ronaldo and Gilmour —> Kane, Hwang and Havertz (-8)

    1. Snooze ya lose
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Like A

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

    1. Ronaldo > vardy
    2. Ronaldo > Aubameyang
    3. Keep ronaldo and save Ft
    4. Benrahma >mbeumo

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

      1 is the move majority will be doing.

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

    Thoughts on possible moves? 1ft, 1.1itb

    Raya
    TAA Chilwell Cancelo
    Salah Mahrez Raph Mbeumo
    Toney Lukaku* Antonio

    Foster Livra Luiz Duffy

    A) Lukaku to Vardy
    B) Mahrez to Havertz (start Livra for Lukaku)
    C) Lukaku to Edouard (Antonio to Vardy next week)
    D) Others

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

      A

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

    These moves worth a hit?

    ronaldo jota doucoure > vardy havertz raphina

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

      Should work

      Toney, Havertz, Son is a decent alternative

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

        Vardy v Son. Think I might go Vardy for the fixtures mate. Cheers

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

      Jota unlikely to start. Doucoure injured so yes, -4 worth the risk. Not sold on Havertz though.

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

        I'm not either, but could be a decent differential for the next 2-3 fixtures.

        1. Cruyff's Eleven
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 5 Years
          2 years, 5 months ago

          I'm warming to the idea. Havertz was on fire in the Euro's.

  12. Ci Siamo
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Which moves are best?

    A) Lukaku and Ronaldo —> Kane and Vardy (-4)

    B) Lukaku, Ronaldo and Gilmour —> Kane, Broja and Havertz (-8)

    Option B means 352

  13. Philosopher's Stones
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Anyone else get this nagging feeling Vardy may be coming towards the end of his scoring streak? Want to have some options, but can't see anyone except him to replace Lukaku right now. (*No funds for Kane)

    1. Gazza2000
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Every season when I get him in he stops scoring so he probably will do this again.

      1. Philosopher's Stones
        • 3 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        Yeah, same. Hence I'm a bit cautious on this move tbh.

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

      Out of all the premium forwards this season, Vardy is the most consistent. His FPL career has also been consistently good.

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

      He is a 15-20 goals player per season

      1. Cruyff's Eleven
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 5 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        Never adds to the tally when he's in my team tho

        1. Philosopher's Stones
          • 3 Years
          2 years, 5 months ago

          Same. He's one of those that immediately stop scoring when I bring them into my team.

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

    Took a -4 but my body is ready

    Sanchez begovic
    Christensen dias cancelo Chillwell livra
    Raph salah kdb sissoko mcarthur
    Antonio vardy toney

    .3 ITB wish I could get mbeumo but not possible this week

    1. Philosopher's Stones
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Oiled up?

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

        Too much oil if anything

        1. Philosopher's Stones
          • 3 Years
          2 years, 5 months ago

          Nice. I like it that way 😉

  15. BS03
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    hi guys is this worth a hit

    lukaku + sarr -> vardy + mount (for exact cash cannot stretch to havertz)

  16. HurriKane
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Is Lukaku to Vardy a no brainer?

    I honestly cant see a reason not to get the current top scoring forward in FPL this season.

    Last 4 GW Stats

    Vardy ranked amongst forwards

    Goals - 5 (1st)
    Shots in the Box - 14 (1st)
    Big chances - 4 (1st)
    Shots on target - 6 (2nd)

    Leicester last 4 GW
    Goals - 9 (2nd)
    Shots - 67 (2nd)
    Shots on target - 23 (3rd)
    Big chances - 8 (6th)

    (stats by @Zophar666)

    Leicester has been in great form as well with the return of Iheanacho to starting xi making a big impact

    1. Philosopher's Stones
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      This move is as no brainer as they come, but it's these no brainers that generally end up being a major fail for me most times. Hence a bit cautious on this one.

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

        If it fails Ive got an exit route to Kane planned come gw12.

        But at the moment cant look past Vardy. Especially at a time when other premium or mid priced forwards are not standing out

        1. Philosopher's Stones
          • 3 Years
          2 years, 5 months ago

          Yeah. Will probably go for him in the end, with a plan to downgrade him and bring in Son in GW12

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

      Its really a no brainer move, but moves like this often make me overthink and go for some other options.

      1. Cruyff's Eleven
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 5 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        Like Havertz

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

          Nah, not him

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

      I don't think I'll be doing it.
      Too popular + he has already been highly owned. I will just be behind those that already had him.

      1. Philosopher's Stones
        • 3 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        Who you looking to bring in then?

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

          Toney possibly.

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

            Not sure yet in all honesty.

      2. HurriKane
        • 11 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        Too popular is not a valid reason to ignore a player. infact he has less than 8% ownership in current top10k.

        Form + stats + Decent enough fixtures + no other forwards standing out means Vardy is the best Lukaku replacement imo

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

          Well, I didn't trade in Antonio in gw3, when that was the obvious advice and that proved, to me at least, the correct decision.
          It depends on how you play the game but as you say, the fact there is 'no other option' still has me interested. As I said I am "not sure".

    4. The Red Devil
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Vardy will do brilliantly, specially now that Nacho is back in the team established

      1. Cruyff's Eleven
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 5 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        I'll let you know if I decide to transfer him in, coz that usually signals the end of the streak.

  17. Manumana
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Ron to

    A. Kane
    B. Vardy

    Thanks

  18. GoonerByron
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Which of this seems best.. Not sure on the replacements yet..

    A - Transfer both Lukaku + Mahrez out for -4

    B - Transfer Lukaku out, bench Mahrez/play Livra

    C - Transfer Mahrez out, bench Lukaku/play Livra

  19. RamaJama
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Who will get roles to score goals for Chelsea in Lukaku’s absence?

    Mount? Havertz? Alonso? Azpi?

    1. ⚔★Vibudh★⚔
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Chilwell, just have a look at some of the positions he was taking up

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

      Havertz.

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

        Would Saka or Foden to Havertz be a good move for free this week?

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

          yeh, if saka isn't available.

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

            Unless Foden out?

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

              what about Foden?
              have I missed something?

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

                No, meant if I should choose to transfer out Foden over Saka if Saka is fit

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

    Due to Lukaku's injury and given I can't afford Kane, a downgrade gives me enough funds to do B Williams to a Chelsea defender.
    Would you do this move for a hit, at home to Norwich?

    1. Philosopher's Stones
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Absolutely. Chelsea defender a good move long term as well.

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

        The one that piques my interest the most, maybe surprisingly, is Reece James.

        1. Philosopher's Stones
          • 3 Years
          2 years, 5 months ago

          Think you already know he's a rotation risk, but a high risk high reward guy tho.

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

            yes, the ceiling is high, i.e. Arsenal.
            I think with these upcoming fixtures, against the three teams in the relegation zone, teams that will sit in, it makes the most sense to play the attacking option in this right fullback position.

  21. Maverick 11
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 4 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Havertz is way too good any opportunity to pass up on I will definitely be doing-4 to bring him in.
    Ron + Sarr > Vardy + Havertz or Ron+ Gallagher > Auba + Havertz?

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

      Vardy/Havertz

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

    1) Jota + Sarr -> Havertz, Mbeumo (-4)
    2) Jota -> Raphinha

    Still got WC.

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

      2

  23. Dynamic Duos
    • 10 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    When is the Arsenal presser?

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

    Better option?

    a. vardy raphina
    b. son toney

    1. ⚔★Vibudh★⚔
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      B

  25. ⚔★Vibudh★⚔
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Which plan do you prefer

    A) Lukaku to Toney GW9
    Mahrez to Son GW10
    Antonio to Vardy/Kane GW11

    B) Lukaku to Vardy GW9
    Antonio to Toney GW10
    Mahrez to Son GW11

    They are very similiar, it's just that I can't get both Son and Vardy in 2 moves so I have to choose one of the routes, I do fancy Vardy over Toney through B but don't want to be stuck with Mahrez for 2 more weeks...

  26. ⚔★Vibudh★⚔
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Will there be another Chelsea presser tomorrow before deadline?

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

    Probably a result of overthinking but I'm actually more interested in Mount and Tielemans 😀

  28. Nomar
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Wondering whether to stick with Ronaldo for now. Was going to move him out for Lukaku, but he might get something out of that Liverpool defence this weekend now he's back in amongst the goals again.

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

      This is exactly what Andy said yesterday.... does the goal mean form?

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

    Uggggghhhhhhhhhh
    I don't want Vardy. Maybe Jesus. Will pull the trigger today though. Multiple games is too many games to bench Lukaku.
    Kane early? I mean I'm actually considering putting the armband on Antonio.

  30. Rockaa
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Son or Mbeumo regardless the price?

    With Mbeumo, extra money can be used to get Dias(I have Cancelo) or Chelsea defender though later.