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. _Gunner
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Anything worth a hit here? Got 0.7 itb, 0FTs

    Sa’
    Livramento Cancelo Dias TAA
    Raphinha Salah (c) Mount Mbeumo
    Ronaldo Antonio

    Subs: Steer

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

      Rest of the bench: White Sissoko King

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

      Nope

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

    Sanchez
    Rudiger, Laporte, Cancelo, Livramento, White
    Salah, Gray, Gallagher, Benhrama, Sissoko,
    Lukaku, Vardy, Antonio

    1ft. 1.8mITB.

    Thinking Sanchez, Benhrama, Lukaku -> Mendy, Havertz, Toney (-8).
    Leaves 3.7m ITB

    Correct moves?

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

      There moves, that’s for sure. Not sure they’re correct. What can you buy for -4?

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

        Could scrap the Gk move, and with replacing Benhrama with Havertz afford anyone 11.7m & below up top. Don’t see any attractive ST’s at the moment!

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

      Don't take hits for keepers

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

        Chelsea CS vs Nowich & Brighton conceding to City seems pretty likely to happen this weekend!

        Just had a play around without keeper move & could do…

        Gray, Benhrama & Lukaku to Havertz, KDB & Hwang (-8). Seem like better moves?

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

          Although would do Gray -> KDB next GW to save the -4

  3. Feed tha Sheep
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Best option?

    A. Lukaku > Kane
    B. Lukaku > Vardy
    C. Lukaku & Jota > Jimi & KDB/Son (-4)
    D. Lukaku & Coufal > Vardy & Chilwell (-4)

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

      I like C.

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

      C

  4. drughi
    • 14 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Lukaku > Vardy looks like a no brainer but me and vardy dont have the best record, me and kane have always been a good combo though, 0.1 off is annoying

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

      You like a taller guy?

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

        haha like my mouth breathers

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

    Started playing with WC drafts - thoughts on below?

    Raya/Foster
    TAA/Cancelo/Chilwell/Livra/Manq
    Salah/Son/Havertz/Raph/Mbeumo
    Vardy/Broja/Hwang

    For sure would like to include Cancelo, Che def, Livra, Salah, Havertz, Mbeumo and Vardy.
    Not sure about keeping TAA considering Che incoming fixtures, I see value in downgrading him to maybe Azpi for now.

  6. Karan14
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Ronaldo owners & non owners

    What would you do with him this week?

    A) Keep
    B) Sell for Kane
    C) Sell for Vardy

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

      A

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

      I would go C but already used my FT to ship him for Lukaku

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

      Probably Vardy

      Selling for Toney personally

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

      Natural contrarian so may well hold - but I'm sitting on Vardy anyway

      (Had been thinking of Jimi and Son as a hit instead of Lukaku even before last night)

    5. Stewarts11
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      im holding as have other transfers that seem more important and will do B or C around GW12/13 when the players have an easy fixture run

    6. _Gunner
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Holding this week
      Already did Traore’ > Mbeumo

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

    Okay, my planned Lukaku in transfer is now not going ahead.. anything worth moving here? Would be for free. 0.1m in the bank!

    Sanchez
    TAA - Rudiger - Cancelo
    Salah - Son - ESR - Gray
    Cr7 - Antonio - Toney

    Steele - Livra - Sissoko - Williams

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

      Well see how Antonio emerges, you've still got the option of Ronaldo to Vardy if you want.

  8. Rex Lapis
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Which one?
    A. Toney, Son, TAA
    B. Kane, Mbuemo, Azpi (double CHE defence)

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

      A

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

    Is Alonso to Chilwell a wasted free transfer in this team or a good long term move?

    Sanchez
    TAA Cancelo Alonso
    Salah (c) Jota Benrahma Raphinha Mbeumo
    Ronaldo Antonio

    Foster Livramento Semedo Scarlett

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

      Hardly long term

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

      I've considered it, but how would you feel when you see Alonso in the lineup on Saturday - as thats a good possibility!

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

        Good point.

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

      Waste of time.

      You have other priorities.

      Jota, Benrahma, Ronaldo all would be going first for me.

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

      Chilwell is the one to own. Saw highlights of the game last night and the positions he is getting into = hauls of note in the making.

  10. Jet5605
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Have 2 FT and 1.2 ITB. Which option looks best?

    A - Doucoure & Benrahma > Townsend & Raph (and do CR7 > Vardy next week)
    B - Doucoure & CR7 > Townsend & Vardy
    C - Other suggestion?

    Sanchez
    Cancelo - Rudiger - Livra - Duffy
    Salah (c) - Bruno - Benrahma - Doucoure
    CR7 - Antonio

    Foster - Coufal - Gilmour - Perica

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

      A

  11. waltzingmatildas
    • 13 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    On WC, which do you like?
    A) Chilwell, Son, Brownhill, Antonio, Vardy
    B) Chilwell, KDB, Brownhill, Broja, Vardy
    C) White, Son, KDB, Broja, Nacho

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

      A for balance.

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

      A

      Not sure KdB is worth it. Would possibly have Foden ahead of him for points and not just value

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

    Best move here?

    A: Lukaku -> Vardy + 1.2 itb (FT)
    B: Lukaku + Raph -> Auba + Havertz (-4)
    C: Lukaku + ESR -> Toney + Son (-4)
    D: Lukaku + ESR -> Ings + Havertz + 1.0 itb (-4)

    1. Boom XhakaLacaSaka
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      A

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

      A

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

      A.

      Don't get rid of a good player to chase another player.

  13. Boom XhakaLacaSaka
    • 4 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    1FT 2.9 itb
    Foster
    Azpi Cancelo White
    Salah Raph Saka* Sarr
    CR7 Antonio Toney

    Sanchez Brownhill Shaw Williams
    A) Saka > Havertz
    B) CR7 > Vardy
    C) Shaw > Rudiger

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

      A

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

      A

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

    How essential is havertz & worth losing TAA for? could do TAA & sarr to havertz & James or TAA & greenwood to havertz & chilwell-4?

    1. No Kane No Gain
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      He is not essential at all but could become a very good short term punt option

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

        I am thinking he could play up from next 2 or 3 games which could be gold but would have to take -4 to get him

  15. MikeNash404
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Better combo going forward?

    A) James, Havertz, Vardy (Can't afford Chillwell with this combo)

    B) Chilly, KDB, Toney/Edouard (Already own Mbeumo)

    Cheers 🙂

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

      B

  16. pjomara
    • 13 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Does Doucoure's injury reduce the appeal of Everton assets?
    Doucoure was the glue in the Everton team. Was happy to own Gray long-term but think he won't be as effective without Doucoure.

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

      I think he's more appealing, personally.

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

      Yep

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

      I had both Doucoure and Gray and I was happy to keep them both for the long run.

      Got rid of Doucoure as soon as his injury news broke but I am keeping Gray. He is cheapn and is pretty much Evertons most advanced player. Really do not have anything to lose at his price as a 4th or 5th mid.

  17. DagheMunegu
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    TAA Cancelo Rudiger
    Salah Raphina Grealish Benrahma Saka
    Antonio Lukaku

    Livra White

    A. Kaku to Vardy
    B. Kaku Saka (if out) to Vardy Mbeumo -4
    C. Kaku Saka to Havertz Jesus/Firmino/Toney -4
    D. Kaku Saka Benrahma to Vardy Havertz Mbeumo -8

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

      B

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

      a, you can field livramento if saka is out.

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

        This

  18. jason_ni
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Saka and Lukaku both concerns:

    Either these worth a -4 (short term to longer term) depending on injury report.

    A) son & toney
    B) mbuemo & kane

    If they no show, I'll be getting likely 3 points off bench from Luiz & Duffy

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

      Quite like B

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

        Would it make much difference if I told you A left an extra 1.1m ITB?

  19. Sarri-ball
    • 14 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Safe or punt

    Lukaku/saka to

    A) mount/vardy
    B) Havertz/augbam

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

    Bottomed:

    Okay, my planned Lukaku in transfer is now not going ahead.. anything worth moving here? Would be for free. 0.1m in the bank!

    Sanchez
    TAA - Rudiger - Cancelo
    Salah - Son - ESR - Gray
    Cr7 - Antonio - Toney

    Steele - Livra - Sissoko - Williams

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

      Roll

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

        Okay, worth keeping Cr7? Or moving to someone like Vardy.

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

          I would rather go for Kane but maybe not since you have Son already... Also I am a sucker for having 2 FTs.

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

      This wasnt bottomed - its about 10 posts above this one!

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

        Oh, it was on my screen haha. My bad!

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

          No worries! Id roll the FT as well.

  21. CrouchDown
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Lukaku + Hwang > Vardy + Toney(-4) ?

    1. jia you
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      This was my second favorite move this GW but I'm going for Lukaku + Greenwood to Vardy + Havertz instead.
      Guess you could probably just do Lukaku to Vardy and save the hit if you have Livramento for example.

  22. Greenbackbøøg…
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Hudson Odoi probably starting this weekend?

  23. Camzy
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Havertz is a nice to have but not essential (yet). We still have no idea if Chelsea are gonna be any good without a proper forward and he becomes a risk if Lukaku returns early. Kaku could be back for Newcastle.

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

      Are you going to hold onto Lukaku or look to utilise his value in the meantime, even if it means a hit?

    2. jia you
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      True, the main reason I'm getting him is for captaincy this week...a bit lacking in that department with Lukaku out and no Salah

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

        Very brave of you to continue without Salah. His ownership is reaching 65% now.

        EO will cause major rank damage.

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

    Is there an Arsenal presser today?

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

      There is indeed - see below...

  25. The Parrot
    • 2 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Tempted by

    Benrama + Saka + Jimi + Lukaku
    To
    Mbeumo + Son + Toney + Vardy

    It'd be for a -8 but I'm H2H, can maybe afford to lose this game and I'm only within 0.1 and might be out of reach in a week

  26. The Polymath
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Already have Son, bring in Kane for Lukaku or bring in Vardy?

    1. The Parrot
      • 2 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Think Vardy to balance the books

  27. Thursday's Press Conference Times
    Skonto Rigga
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Hi folks, today's pressers are as follows:

    Smith 9.30am
    Arteta - 10am
    Ranieri - 1pm
    Bielsa - 1pm
    Dyche - 1.15pm
    Potter - 1.30pm
    Hasenhuttl - 1.30pm

    1. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Cheers - Any summary of the key points so far?

      Would be cool & very useful to update this hot topic after each with any FPL highlights

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

        I'll be doing a round-up in article form this afternoon!

  28. boc610
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    consider my cap doth' ed to Lukaku's trolling skills. truly remarkable.

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

      Dunno. Picking up the injury during the Norwich game instead of last night, when plenty of people would have put the captaincy on him for a one pointer would have been more Trollkaku-esque.

  29. Ha.
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    1. Lukaku > Wilson
    2. Lukaku and ESR > Wilson and Son (-4)

  30. merin
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Who to get instead of Lukaku here?
    Kane and Vardy springs to mind, but to get Kane I have to free up 0.2 somewhere.

    Ramsdale Foster
    TAA Azpi Cancelo White Livramento
    Salah Foden Saka Mbeumo Douglas Luiz
    Lukaku Antonio Jimenez

    1 FT, 0.2 ITB