Injuries

Injury updates, team news and predicted line-ups for FPL Gameweek 9

A Friday night match gives an early start to Gameweek 9 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 Arsenal, Aston Villa, Brighton and Hove Albion, Burnley, Leeds United, Southampton and Watford.

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

Thomas Tuchel provided a Friday update on the injuries of Romelu Lukaku (ankle) and Timo Werner (thigh), ruling them out of Norwich (H) and their midweek Carabao Cup tie.

“No big news for Romelu [Lukaku] & Timo [Werner], the thing I can say is that they are out for tomorrow, they will be out for the Southampton game. Then we will see what’s next, I don’t think that it makes any sense to go into speculation about how long.”

Christian Pulisic is still out with an ankle injury.

MANCHESTER UNITED

Bruno Fernandes is a doubt for Sunday’s clash with Liverpool after receiving some rough treatment from Atalanta in midweek. However, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer refuses to rule him out of proceedings.

“Games like Wednesday night will always bring knocks and bruises. Bruno [Fernandes] might be a doubt but he’s doing everything he can to be fit. I’m not going to rule anyone out from Sunday but I’m not sure if everyone’s going to be fit.”

Anthony Martial (knock), Marcus Rashford (dead leg) and Fred (hamstring) may also miss out, with Raphael Varane (groin) still injured from international duty.

MANCHESTER CITY

Apart from Ferran Torres (foot), there seems to be a fully-fit squad for Pep Guardiola. When asked if Man City have any fresh injury concerns, he replied:

“No, the team is in really good condition”

LIVERPOOL

Alisson and Fabinho are both back in action, after returning from international duty too late to face Watford. Harvey Elliott (ankle) is out long-term but Curtis Jones (hip) could return this weekend.

“Curtis [Jones] will train today with us completely, he did already parts of training before we went to Atletico. He should be in contention. Thiago, not, he is not in team training yet, will not be this week for sure.” – Jurgen Klopp

LEICESTER CITY

James Justin (knee) and Wesley Fofana (leg) remain injured, as is Wilfred Ndidi (hamstring).

Brendan Rodgers confirmed Marc Albrighton could miss a few matches because of a “horrendous challenge” in Moscow on Wednesday night. Timothy Castagne (hamstring) should be okay and Ayoze Perez is likely to overcome an illness in time.

“He had a spasm towards his lower back. He looks fine. He’s on a recovery work today with the medical team, but he looks fine.” – Brendan Rodgers on Youri Tielemans

With three in-form strikers in Jamie Vardy, Kelechi Iheanacho and Patson Daka, Rodgers has discussed how he will continue to manage their game-time.

“We’ve been keeping Jamie fresh for PL games; hoping he becomes more involved in the latter stages of UEL. That’s kept him full of energy. Kelechi is now a consistent performer. Patson was one we wanted to give time to.”

EVERTON

It was announced on Tuesday that midfielder Abdoulaye Doucoure has stressed a bone in his foot and will have a spell on the sidelines. He joins Andre Gomes (calf) and Fabian Delph (shoulder) on the injured list.

Whilst Rafael Benitez believes Richarlison is now available for selection, he admits “the match fitness is an issue” and has also ruled out Dominic Calvert-Lewin (thigh) for longer.

“How long he will be out, we need to see. It depends on how he reacts to the treatment. We will not see him for four or five weeks.”

Yerry Mina tweaked his hamstring in training, so will not take part against Watford.

WOLVERHAMPTON WANDERERS

Yerson Mosquera (thigh), Pedro Neto and Jonny Castro (both knee) remain long-term absentees, although Francisco Trincao has recovered from the positive Covid-19 test that kept him out of the win over Aston Villa.

Willy Boly will miss out and Bruno Lage will assess Raul Jimenez‘s energy levels before deciding whether to start him.

NEWCASTLE UNITED

Interim manager Graeme Jones is without the suspended Jonjo Shelvey, while Martin Dubravka (foot) and Paul Dummett (calf) aren’t yet ready to return.

TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR

Nuno Espirito Santo is still without Matt Doherty (knock) and Ryan Sessegnon (knock) but Steven Bergwijn (ankle) and Ben Davies (abdominal) both took part in Spurs’ Europa Conference League defeat to Vitesse.

WEST HAM UNITED

Vladimir Coufal missed the win at Everton because of a groin injury that forced him to withdraw from international duty. It is believed that the Czech right-back will be out for another couple of games.

CRYSTAL PALACE

Eberechi Eze (achilles) and Nathan Ferguson (achilles) remain the Eagles’ only absentees, with Patrick Vieira confirming that Wilfried Zaha is back from the illness that kept him out of Monday’s trip to Arsenal.

“Wilf [Zaha] is good – he started training with the team a couple of days ago. He will be in the squad tomorrow. We are looking good.”

BRENTFORD

Thomas Frank had little to say in terms of team news, just commenting that:

“Yoane Wissa will be out for a few more weeks with an ankle injury. The others are closer and will be assessed before the game.”

He refers to Mads Bech Sorensen (knee), Josh Dasilva (hip) and Shandon Baptiste (shoulder), as well as Vitaly Janelt, who has missed the last two matches with a thigh problem.

NORWICH CITY

Owners of Billy Gilmour will hope it’s not another weekend of rotations and surprise benchings, as the Chelsea loanee is ineligible to play against his parent club.

Christoph Zimmermann has yet to play this season and Daniel Farke has confirmed the defender will remain out for a while longer.

“I can confirm he needs ankle surgery that will take place on Monday coming and think he will be out for 6 weeks or so.”

Sam Byram (thigh) and Todd Cantwell (achilles) remain out.

FPLMarc Newcastle fan that spends far too much time thinking about FPL.

1,023 Comments Post a Comment
  1. jdp219
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Ugh, I'm going to second-guess this until gw12 is upon us, but currently going with Son over Havertz in my WC. That the right move?

    1. Do I Not Like Orange
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Definitely.

    2. nevins84
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Im going Hav on the WC but that's mainly down to Norwich this week tbh

    3. Pep's Money Laundry
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Of course it is, Son is a proven consistent player

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

      Yes, Son is not a one week punt.

    5. hustler7
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      I've gone Havertz with a view to move to Son for the GW12 fixture swing, Norwich and Newcastle too good a fixture for OOP mid.

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

        This is what I was thinking.

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

      Yes, but that’s only first guess.

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

        Let me know when you get the the second and third guesses. 😉

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

    Lukaku replacement

    A. Vardy
    B. Jesus
    C. Toney

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

      A

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

      A

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

      C

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

    Who should i start:

    a) Tierney
    b) Livramento?

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

      Livramento.

    2. XX SMICER XX
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      A

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

    Worth doing Barnes > Havertz for a hit?

    1. King Kun Ta
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Yep

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

      First of all well done for holding him. Second of all, yes.

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

        I'd like to say it's been a roller-coaster but there's been no highs to it...

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

          I got rid after GW2. Really thought he'd have a decent season.

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

      Norwich at home. Probably worth it

    4. Pep bites Kun
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      I'd do it, if I still had Barnes

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

    ESR -> Havertz for a hit?

    1. Mr. O'Connell
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Havertz probably scores and ESR has a 3 point ceiling, so will probably pay off this week.

  6. tomietucker
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Saka owners, Start or should I bench I think he either starts or doesn't come on?
    Bench is
    Toney
    Benramha

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

    Anyone who own Auba dares to captain him?

    Auba scored in every Home game he started this season (All in goals in Home games Vs Norwich, Spurs, Palace)

    1. Pep's Money Laundry
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Owning him is enough for me

      Salah no brainer captain every week for me

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

    Bench 2

    - Tierney (AVL)
    - TAA (mun)
    - Sarr (eve)
    - Amartey (bre)
    - Duffy (MCI)

    And in what order?

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

      Amartey and Duffy

      1. Pep bites Kun
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        Same here

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

      Thanks for confirming my initial plan. Good luck this GW!

  9. Claudio555
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    A. Kaku+Sarr > Toney+Havertz

    or

    B. Kaku+Sanchez > Auba+Mendy

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

      A

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

    On WC. Choose 1:

    A) Dias
    B) Rudiger

    Have Cancelo and Chilwell.

    Reckon Dias is marginally more nailed. And City's underlying defensive stats are much better than Chelsea's. But Chelsea have the better fixtures in the next few.

    1. The-Red-1
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Depends how long term you're looking I guess?

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

        The longer the better really. So Dias?

        That would leave me without Chelsea defence if Chilwell is benched. But Rudiger would leave me without City defence if Cancelo is benched. Swings and roundabouts I guess.

        1. Pep bites Kun
          • 7 Years
          2 years, 5 months ago

          Dias for me. He's a season-long keep

  11. Tsparkes10
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Is Antonio worth keeping on wc? Not the easiest fixtures…

    1. K4pril
      • 2 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      I am on WC either qnd can't choose!
      Antonio? Toney? A.ARMSTRONG? BLOODY HWANG?!

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

        I'm sure that's not Hwang's first name. 😀

      2. Tsparkes10
        • 5 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        Hwang, Edouard, Wilson the ones I’m looking at.

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

      Still good for this GW.

  12. NeverLucky
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Likely-hood that Alonso starts this week?

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

      25%

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

        Damn, I was hoping for 26% to feel better 😀

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

      60%

    3. Twisted Saltergater
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Tuchel may go with his height in the absence of Lukaku.

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

    Looking like a Vardy rise two days in a two.

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

      *row

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

    Pick to play
    A. Mbuemo
    B. ESR
    C. Tierney
    D. Gallagher

    Mahrez no show would mean one comes in anyways. Cheers

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

      Two to play* cheers

    2. Twisted Saltergater
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      D and A, probably

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

      A & D probably

  15. Twisted Saltergater
    • 14 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Start 2

    a) Tierney (AVL)
    b) ESR (AVL)
    c) Traore (lee)

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

      BC

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

      BC

    3. Twisted Saltergater
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      thanks both!

  16. K4pril
    • 2 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    I am on a WC.
    Can't decide on a strikers.
    Deffinetly Vardy, than i can get either Jimenez or Antonio and than?
    Toney? HWANG? Armstrong?

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

      Edouard

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

        Just to add to the confusion 😉

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

      Toney, if you don't own Mbuemo

      1. K4pril
        • 2 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        i do have mbuemo thats why i dunno if its a good move to double up ;x
        who would you get instead than? Hwang? ;x Armstrong? ;x

    3. Tsparkes10
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Wilson? 😉

    4. JoeSoap
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Probably between Jimmy, Toney & Ings, all decent fixtures. That said Antonio has big ownership.

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

    Get a partner in life that loves you like Mark loves Kane.

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

      He’s right though. Kane about to go on a tear

  18. Bartowski
    • 13 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Why is Jimenez not expected to start?

    1. Twisted Saltergater
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Just read that Lage thinks he's suffering from travel fatigue, and hasn't looked right in training.

    2. Joey Tribbiani
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Lage trying to tell Mexico that Jimmy needs to play less

  19. JoeSoap
    • 10 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    A. Saka>Havertz (-4) Y/N

    1. Bench Saka/Livra (if N to above)

    Ramsdale
    TAA, Azpi, Cancelo
    Salah, Saka, Mbuemo, Raphina
    Antonio, Jimmy, Vardy
    Foster, Livra, Duffy, Luiz

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

    Ronaldo > Vardy for a -4…

    Or hold?

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

      Beginning to hate Brentford away and I’d want Ronaldo for such a big game.

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

      Probably hold

  21. Lecky Legs FC
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Who to bring in for Lukaku?

    A) Jesus
    B) Auba

    (Already own Vardy and can't afford Kane or Ronaldo without taking a - 4 hit)

    1. FPL ElasticO
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      downgrade to either Toney / Jimenez
      I would not consider either of A/B

    2. Miguel Sanchez
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      B

      1. Lecky Legs FC
        • 8 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        B it is cheers

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

      B

      Jesus more rotation risk and not on Pen.

      1. Lecky Legs FC
        • 8 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        He's in cheers

    4. JoeSoap
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Would chance B

      1. Lecky Legs FC
        • 8 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        Yeah here's hoping he gets on the scoresheet at home again ta mate

  22. FPL ElasticO
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Who should you bench?

    A. Saka
    B. Livramento

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

      B

      1. FPL ElasticO
        • 9 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        But he is in the scout pick.

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

          Oh then definitely B 😉

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

      A

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

      A

  23. Jimmy Boy
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Jota > Havertz
    Benrahma > Mbeumo

    Good transfers for -4?

    1. dark91
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Should be yes. I am considering the same with Doucoure to Mbuemo

  24. Bobby_Baggio
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Ok which moves do you prefer people? 2FT and 1.1m ITB.

    Sanchez
    TAA - Livramento - Rudiger
    Benrahma - Jota - Salah - Raphina
    ASM - Ronaldo - Antonio

    White - Marcal - Brownhill

    A) Ron + Jota > Vardy + Son
    B) Marcal + Jota + Ron > Cancelo + Foden/B.Silva + Vardy (-4)
    C) Anything else

  25. dark91
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Doucoure + Jota -> Mbuemo + Havertz (-4)

    Should come good right?

  26. Wag the Drog
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Last piece of the puzzle. Already have Azpi

    a) Son-Chillwell
    b) Havertz-TAA

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

      B

  27. Ligdon
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Bench 2 of Livra, ESR or Rico Henry ? Have Mccarthy in goals too

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

    Who else has

    Trent Cancelo Chilwell

    Back 3?

    As good as it gets for hauls.

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

      Trent cancelo azpi here

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

      Yep that is my exact back three as of 5 mins ago, just bought in Chilwell.

      Brave enough to captain Chilly?!

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

    Ramsdale
    TAA, Azpilicueta, Cancelo
    Salah(c), Mbeumo, Foden, Raphinha
    Vardy, Antonio, Toney

    Foster, Livramento, Brownhill, Duffy

    Would you drop anyone to play Livramento?

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

      Similar to my team
      I drop toney for 442

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

    Is Jesus a good option?

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

      Plays for free scoring City , pretty nailed on, rested midweek, what's not to like ?

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

      For some, he has been for centuries now