Team News

FPL Gameweek 9 injury and team news: Updates on Raphinha, Saka and more

We’ve got all the Gameweek 9 team news so far in our first injury round-up of the pre-match press conferences.

Leeds United boss Marcelo Bielsa was one of seven Premier League head coaches to face the media on Thursday, while a further 13 top-flight bosses are set to provide us with fitness updates on Friday.

Among them will be Thomas Tuchel, who may be able to supply us with more information on Romelu Lukaku (£11.7m). The Belgian suffered a twisted ankle on Wednesday night and, according to his manager, will miss “some matches”.

In the meantime, we’ll summarise the key updates from today’s pressers in the article below.

Don’t forget to keep checking our Predicted Line-ups page and Injuries and Bans tab, which will be gradually refreshed between now and Friday’s Fantasy Premier League (FPL) deadline.

LEEDS UNITED

Having missed out in Gameweek 8, Raphinha was mentioned in passing by his manager in Thursday’s press conference.

The Brazilian is isolating in lodgings near the club’s training ground but is able to leave his quarters to train and play, and there was nothing from Bielsa to suggest the winger wouldn’t be match-fit enough to face Wolves this weekend.

Robin Koch (pelvis), Patrick Bamford (ankle), Junior Firpo (muscle) and Luke Ayling (knee) remain out, however, while Kalvin Phillips (calf/hip) also looks set to remain sidelined despite a return to training.

“Ayling and Bamford are not going to be here for the next two games. Raphinha has acclimatised back to his return to England. Koch still has at least one month to go.

“Kalvin [Phillips] is healthy but he hasn’t competed for three weeks, if he played on Saturday it would be far too quick. After three weeks out, it’s necessary for more football training. In this stage, he’s done training sessions for recovery, physical preparation and progressive work with the ball. To think of him for Saturday would be to bring him back too soon before he’s back at his complete best.

“Firpo is evolving quickly and well. I could not tell you exactly how long he has left but the next two games, no. From Norwich (Gameweek 10) onwards, he has chances of being back in the team.” – Marcelo Bielsa

ARSENAL

Granit Xhaka (knee) is the only definite absentee for Arsenal’s clash with Aston Villa but Mikel Arteta was coy on the rest of his team news, with Bukayo Saka (calf) one of the players who needs assessing ahead of Friday’s game.

“[Saka] hasn’t trained yet, we have to assess him today and see how he is. It’s down to the doctors and himself to see how he recovers and how he is feeling between today and tomorrow.

“We have a training session today. We have two or three players that finished the game with some issues, and we have to review them today.” – Mikel Arteta

Kieran Tierney was among those not sighted in training yesterday but “bumps and bruises” were cited as the reason.

SOUTHAMPTON

Che Adams (muscle) has been passed fit for the weekend, leaving just Jack Stephens (knee) on the treatment table for Southampton’s clash with Burnley.

James Ward-Prowse serves the second game of a three-match ban, however.

“There’s still Jack Stephens missing. Ché Adams is back in training and is available for the weekend. There are no injuries there otherwise, so I can pick from a big squad.” – Ralph Hasenhuttl

Asked about his decision to start Armando Broja and bench Adam Armstrong in Gameweek 8, Ralph Hasenhuttl said:

“[Broja] had a slow start here but I think showed very quickly that he has some weapons you can use. Because of the injury to Che, it was the first chance for him to start and I think he grabbed his chance with both hands.

I’m 100% convinced about [Armstrong]. He had a good start with the first goal immediately and then also had a few good games, missing the second goal what he could score in a few games. I’m sure that he will make a lot of games. We have a lot of options up front, we have to look who gets the right decision in the right moments. He can score goals, he shows in every [training] session. It won’t take long until he scores his second in the league.” – Ralph Hasenhuttl

BRIGHTON AND HOVE ALBION

Steven Alzate (ankle) and Danny Welbeck (hamstring) remain out but Adam Webster (hamstring) has an “outside chance” of featuring against Manchester City following a return to training.

“Adam Webster’s been training this week, he’s had a good week and there’s an outside chance he’ll be available.

“Danny [Welbeck] and Steven [Alzate] are still obviously away, but everyone else is available for selection.

“Tariq [Lamptey] responded really well. He was excited to be on the pitch, he enjoyed it. He’s got a lot of work to do, we just need to keep helping him get back to the Tariq Lamptey we all know.” – Graham Potter

ASTON VILLA

Matty Cash (dead leg), Leon Bailey (thigh) and Bertrand Traore (thigh) are all available for selection, leaving Trezeguet (knee) as the only Aston Villa player on the sidelines on Friday.

“Bertrand Traore and Leon Bailey have come back from four or five weeks out, so we’re building up their fitness. They’ll be in the squad but I’ll have to assess where they are. They’ve both got a chance [of starting]… but are probably lacking fitness minutes.” – Dean Smith

Keinan Davis (knee) has returned to training but looks set to be given game-time with the under-23s before being considered for a first-team return.

BURNLEY

Ben Mee (illness), Matej Vydra (knock) and Charlie Taylor (knock) will all be assessed ahead of the Clarets’ trip to Southampton, while Dale Stephens (ankle) remains out.

“We are going to have to make a decision on all three of them because they are close. It is a three-game week so we will have to make a decision on them. They are all close to it, it’s who we decide for what reasons. We are hopeful on those three but we will have to make a call on it tomorrow.

“Dale Stephens is out on the grass, a longer-term situation.” – Sean Dyche

WATFORD

Peter Etebo (thigh), Nicolas Nkoulou (lack of match fitness), Francisco Sierralta (hamstring) and Christian Kabasele (hamstring) will all miss the trip to Everton but Joshua King has recovered from the knee injury that forced him off in Gameweek 7, having returned to full training this week.

“His best position is right wing. I tried to put him very close to the Liverpool centre-backs and attack on their shoulders. It wasn’t possible and in the second half, I put him in his position. He is much better there.” Claudio Ranieri on Ismaila Sarr

“Ben, in training sessions and on the pitch, is always concentrating. He is thinking of his future. He’s a great actor, great goalkeeper – that’s it.” – Claudio Ranieri on questions over Ben Foster spending too much time on his YouTube channel

670 Comments Post a Comment
  1. NATSTER
    • 13 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    OUT : Lukaku + Benrahma

    Who's in?

    A: Vardy + Havertz
    B: Toney + Son

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

      Lukaku to Vardy only.
      B otherwise

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

        Thank you. 🙂

    2. Scholes Out For Summer
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      I like B personally

    3. SKENG
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      A

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

      Loving A.

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

      Cheers all.

  2. Forza Papac
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Sarr > Havertz -4?

    1. Scholes Out For Summer
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      nay

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

      I would do it

  3. jai1212
    • 10 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Okay, so one week after WC and I need another one, or maybe half of it

    Ramsdale(Foster)
    James TAA Dias Livramento
    Salah Raphinha Mahrez* Saka*
    Lukaku* Antonio

    Subs: Armstrong Duffy Brownhill

    1FT and 0.2 itb

    Which 2 to take out first?
    A. Lukaku
    B. Armstrong
    C. Mahrez
    D. Saka (Not sure to take out or not)

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

      Lukaku should be 1 of 2 and not Mahrez.

      It's between Armstrong and Saka then.

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

      Lukaku and Mahrez for Vardy and Havertz (or Son but I don't think you can afford him)?

    3. fc_skrald
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Lukaku to someone else

  4. SKENG
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    What is the best option here? 1 FT, 0.3 ITB

    Ramsdale
    TAA Cancelo Azpi Livramento
    Salah Foden Raphinha Harrison
    Jimenez Antonio

    Foster Lukaku Brownhill Williams

    A) Lukaku & Harrison > Toney & Son (-4)
    B) Lukaku > Vardy, replace Harrison next week
    C) Foden > Havertz, replace Lukaku next week
    D) smth else?

    1. Meechoo115
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 2 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      A with Havertz instead of Son?

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

        And poentially bring Son GW12. Thanks, I think this sounds better

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

      I like A for the next few weeks

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

      B

  5. Saka Rice
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Doucoure to Foden or Lukaku to Vardy?

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

      Lukaku to Vardy easy

    2. sully29
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Lukaku to Vardy

      1. Saka Rice
        • 9 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        What if Lukaku is back the following week? Also Man City have a better attack and fixtures plus he's pretty much nailed to start since he's been subbed mid week? Just wanna know your reasons for picking Vardy

        1. sully29
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 9 Years
          2 years, 5 months ago

          "What if Lukaku is back next week" is a big if when he's taking up that much of your budget. With his form not having been great anyway, I'd sooner jump off now along with everybody else. Particularly as so many people were considering jumping off him in GW12 anyway.

          On the basis of solving your biggest problem first, your injured premium striker is the biggest problem unless you get strong information that he will only be out for one week.

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

    Raya
    TAA, Livramento, Rudiger
    Salah, Foden, Benrahma, Gray
    Antonio, Dennis, Ronaldo

    2.6 itb

    Thoughts for GW9.

    A) Ronaldo, Dennis For -4 Toney, Jimenez
    B) Ronaldo, Dennis, Benrahma For -8 Toney, Jimenez, Havertz
    C) Ronaldo, Dennis, Benrahma For -8 Vardy, Jimenez, Havertz
    D) Ronaldo, Dennis, Benrahma For -8 Toney, Vardy, Havertz
    E) Another combination Between Toney, Jimenez, Havertz, Vardy ?

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

      I'd not ship out Ronaldo for a hit.
      Dennis to Toney only.

  7. sully29
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Worth a wildcard to switch from the first team to something like the second? Or just take a -4 and make a couple of changes?

    Sanchez (Bachmann)
    TAA, Dias, Rudiger (White, Livramento)
    Salah, Barnes, Benrahma, Raph (ESR)
    Lukaku, Antonio, Armstrong

    Raya (Foster)
    TAA, Cancelo, Dias, Rudiger (Livramento)
    Salah, Havertz, Raph, Mbeumo (4.5mid)
    Kane, Toney (Broja)

    1. Scholes Out For Summer
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      -4 imo

  8. Scholes Out For Summer
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Thoughts on this -8? Leaves me with 2.8ITB to get Cancelo next GW, or can get Mbeumo for Sarr next GW

    Ronaldo --> Vardy
    Lukaku --> Toney
    Traore --> Son
    Shaw --> Chilwell/Rudiger (leaning Rudiger atm as I think he'll make some surges into the box now that there's less of a presence in the box)

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

      I like basically all those moves. Only thing is I’d be cautious selling CR7 before a rivalry match, but would likely want him gone soon after anyways. The other 3 you mentioned have to go so even for -8 it should set you up well

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

    Is it likely now that with all the Chelsea injuries that CHO will get extra minutes or can/will Ziyech cut into his minutes? Thinking of taking a punt on him for 3 or so weeks

    1. Scholes Out For Summer
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      I think of it as 3 forward slots, Mount most likely takes one, Havertz another, the other is between CHO Ziyech and RLC

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

        Very possible, CHO grabbed an assist off the bench for Werner, so hoping it warrants him a start and demotes the other 2 to cup duties midweek but guess it’s a lucky dip

  10. el polako
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Masses buying Vardy after his hot streak can only mean he'll do classic trolling and will go on 3 to 4 games dry spell.

    I just feel it.

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

      Amen

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

      He will, did it to me last season too, think he blanked for the 10 games I had him

  11. winchester
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Have 1ft and 3.1m itb. feel kinda weak in the defence with james.. worth a hit to change him?

    ramsdale (foster)
    taa cancelo james (duffy livramento)
    salah raphinha mbeumo mount (luiz)
    antonio lukaku* hwang

    a) lukaku->vardy
    b) lukaku->kane
    c) lukaku+mount -> vardy+son -4
    d) james->?

    1. Meechoo115
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 2 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      I think James will start this weekend not sure after though !

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

      A easy

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

      A

  12. Meechoo115
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 2 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Lukaku to Vardy ? One FT?

    Don’t overthink it?

    Ramsdale
    Dias. Cancelo. Trent. James
    Havertz. Salah c. Mbuemo. Raph
    Lukaku *. Antonio

    Foster. Livra. Armstrong. Brownhill

    1. FC Hakkebøf
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Prefer Auba Short term. But Vardy is the obvious replacement

      1. Meechoo115
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 2 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        Hmmm now that’s an interesting shout

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

      Yes

  13. Firminooooo
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Mahrez to Havertz -4?

    1. sully29
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Sure.

    2. Meechoo115
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 2 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Yes

  14. Deer-in-headlights
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Consider GK-Def combos for active WC.

    A. Raya + Duffy
    B. Sanchez/Ramsdale/Guita + Pinnock

  15. jdp219
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Updated WC draft without Lukaku, and now with Son. Yay or nay?

    Raya, Foster
    TAA, Cancelo, Rudiger, Livra, Manquillo
    Salah, Son, Raphinha, Mbeumo, Brownhill
    Vardy, Antonio, Toney

    1. sully29
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Yep, looks perfectly reasonable.

    2. FC Hakkebøf
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Havertz > Son due to fixtures imo

      1. jdp219
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        Oh, interesting.

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

      Looks good

  16. FC Hakkebøf
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Thoughts on my projected moves over the next gameweeks?

    Ramsdale
    Cancelo Alonso Rudiger
    Salah Raphina Sarr Mbeumo
    Lukaku Auba Antonio
    ___
    Foster Tomiyasu Brownhill 3.9

    GW9: Lukaku + Sarr -> Jesus + Havertz -4
    GW10: Alonso -> TAA
    GW11: Antonio -> Toney
    GW12: Auba -> Kane

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

      It never works out the way you want it to but good luck looks good

  17. Meechoo115
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 2 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Mount to Havertz for a -4 ? Probably will be a -8 eventually as Havertz fairly short term

    1. FC Hakkebøf
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Depends on the length of Kaku and Werners injury.

  18. Eh, just one more thing ...
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Vardy or Kane to replace Lukaku?

    I have exact money for Kane but wearily eyeing price drops/rises …

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

      Vardy

  19. Galactic_Koopa
    • 2 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Hi everyone

    1. jdp219
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Hi

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

    This is haaaaaaaaaaard and I have 18.1 to spend. Lukaku & Saka to:

    1. Aubameyang & Havertz
    2. Vardy & Raphinha
    3. Toney & Son
    4. Hwang & De Bruyne
    5. Kane & Mbeumo

    1. Meechoo115
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 2 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      1

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

        Cheers!

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

      Vardy + Havertz?

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

        If only I had 0.6 extra.

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

    Gray -> Mbeumo -4?

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

      No

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

        Thanks 🙂

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

    a. Fernandes -> Son
    b. Amartey -> Livramento
    c. a + b

    Sánchez
    Cancelo, Alonso, TAA
    Raphinha, Salah, Fernandes, Sarr
    Ings, Antonio, Toney

    Steele, Duffy, Gilmour, Amartey
    2 free transfers, 0.6 million in the bank

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

      A

  23. El Matador
    • 10 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Will Mahrez start or should I take him out for Havertz?

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

      Take out. Even if he starts, he is useless.

  24. EL_FENOMENO
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Is Lukaku confirmed out for Saturday?

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

      Tuchel said out for some weeks

  25. lifes a pitch
    • 10 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Best Lukaku replacement ??? (not antonio or ings)

    1. Bobby Digital
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Toney

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

      Vardy

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

      Vardy is an obvious pick... But is Auba going under the radar?

    4. FC Hakkebøf
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Jesus, Auba or Vardy

  26. Tripleh123
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Need advice.

    Sanchez
    Alonso TAA Dias Cancelo
    Salah Raphinha Benhrama Gray
    Lukaku Antonio

    Subs: Sarr Duffy Scarlett

    1FT and 0.3 itb

    Which option is the best? Ideally want Vardy+Harvetz but need to take -8.
    A. Lukaku> Vardy (1FT)
    B. Lukaku+Sarr> Vardy+Mount(-4)
    C. Lukaku+Sarr> Auba+ Harvetz (-4)
    .

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

      A

    2. FC Hakkebøf
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      A

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

    What happened to TrolLukaku then? Out for long?

    Didn't think my luck could get any worse but this is a real kick in the teeth, four blanks including a captaincy and now injured for his best fixture, he's got to go! Annoyingly means I can't do Benrahma to Raphina either now.

    Apologies in advance for Vardy not scoring again....

    Anything worth a hit?

    Sanchez
    TAA Cancelo Rudiger Livramento
    Salah Benrahma Gallagher ESR
    Ronaldo Vardy
    Steele White Sissoko Scarlett

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

      Good to go

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

        Thank you

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

    A) Lukaku to Auba (already have vards)

    Or

    B) Lukaku to Kane and downgrade raph or Antonio (-4)

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

      A

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

    Thinking of starting Armstrong with ESR first on bench. Yay or nay?

  30. RobinKerr1987
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    A. Jota
    B. Havertz (with a -4 hit)