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. Nolberto Solano
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Which option to start this week?

    A) Grealish OUT Havertz in -4
    B) Play Grealish
    C) Play Livramento
    D) Play Hwang

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

      A

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

      B or C

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

      I'd probably go with C.
      But a more adventurous route would be B, with Livramento as 1st sub.

  2. jernej93
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Who to play??

    1. Mbuemo (LEI H)
    2. GALLAGHER (NEW H)
    3. ARMSTRONG (BUR H)

    1. Big_Andy_GAWA
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Armstrong could well be benched again in favour of the Chelsea loanee.

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

      2

  3. Drogba Legend
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Help appreciated, sitting 26k OR and off to my best start. 2FT this weekend

    Ramsdale
    Cancelo - Dias - Rudiger - Azpi
    Salah - Grealish - Raph - Saka
    Antonio - Lukaku**

    Foster - Livra - Toney - 4.5

    A) Lukaku out for who (Vardy, Kane, CR, Jesus, Auba, etc?)
    B) Saka, Grealish out, or upgrade bench
    C) something else

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

      Why ask randomers who might be ranked 4 millionth?

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

      I did Luk for Kane, as I already had Vardy.
      As I had Vardy already then I guess I would put him as first choice, but I'd be thinking about keeping the cash loose to be able to move back to a high value striker in the next few weeks.

      I also changed Saka to Mbuen earlier in the week.
      This was partly to free up cash to help move a Chelsea defender back to TAA, but the money got used on the Kane transfer above.
      So, if you need some more money free then maybe drop Saka.

      Nothing else obvious, bench has two decent options up front so cover looks fine.

      I am about 300k lower than yourself though.

      Anyway, good luck. 🙂

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

    G2G? 1FT currently saving.

    Schmeichel
    TAA - Dias - Azpi (vc) - Livramento
    Salah (c) - Raphinha - Mbeumo - D Gray
    Antonio - Ronaldo
    >> Jakupovic - Jota - Semedo - Scarlett

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

      G2G

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

    Start Livramento or Mbuemo?

    1. jernej93
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Livramento

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

      Mbuemo

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

      Mbu

  6. Oggle22
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    G2G?
    Who to captain?

    Ramsdale
    James Christensen Laporte
    Salah Raph Havertz Townsend
    Antonio CR7 Jesus

    Foster Livramento Luiz Manquillo

    Cheers

  7. reeceon
    • 10 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    A) Benrahma > Foden or Havertz?
    B) A.Armstrong > 8.1?

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

      B

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

    Looking at the Leicedter fixtures, double Vardy Nacho could be a treat.

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

    Is Benrahma to Raphina worth a hit?

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

      No

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

        Thanks, not many people replying

    2. Calculated Risks
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Maybe

    3. LEEDSLEEDSLEEDS
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Long term yes but not right now, we’ve too many injuries and last week was worst I’ve seen us in years. Saying that I’ve had him from GW1 and he’s an absolute baller.

  10. tbhogal
    • 14 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Start TAA or Dias guys ??

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

      Both

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

      Both

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

      TAA

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

      Both

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

      Start both.

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

      TAA more so than Dias, but I agree that both is probably the right answer

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

    Fellow wildcarders how are your teams looking?

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

    ronaldo+ benrahma > havertz + auba (-4)

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

      Nice moves

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

        Captain havertz? Or salah

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

      No

  13. LT10
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Would you start...
    a) Saka
    b) Livramento

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

      Tough one that! Probably Saka for me. I own both!

      1. LT10
        • 12 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        Agree... think I'm going to gamble on Saka.

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

    Which transfer to do for -4?

    A. Mahrez >> Son
    B. Mahrez >> Havertz

    1. LT10
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      A

    2. artvandelay316
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      B

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

    McCarthy or Raya

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

      Raya + Livramento

      1. Il Capitano
        • 3 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        Bingo

  16. Bishopool
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Which -4pts combo you would choose?

    a) Vardy + Havertz
    b) Vardy + Raph
    c) Havertz + Raph

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

      None

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

        This

    2. The Pesci challenge
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      A

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

      A

  17. mdm
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Ronaldo and Sarr to Auba and Havertz for hits?

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

      No way

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

        No

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

        Why no

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

          Prefer Ronaldo and Sarr

  18. RAFA THE GAFFA
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Why can’t I convince myself with Vardy? Just doesn’t feel right !

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

      Only make changes that feel right!

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

      Last time I brought him in he blanked for ten games in a row

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

      Because he has history of trolling people after his hot streaks.

      Never really worked for me, bit like Hazard in the past.

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

      Same here, still did it and regret it. 0.1 was all I needed for Kane argh

    5. artvandelay316
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      He is bringing points in every match. Don't see why anyone would even think twice.

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

    I have Ronaldo and Grealish... do I stick or twist?

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

      twist

  20. Gazwaz80
    • 4 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Anybody captaining Mount, he sounds really up for it and with the lack of Kaku and Werner he could be playing in a more forward position?

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

      It’s a punt but could pay off

      1. Gazwaz80
        • 4 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        Cheers Junks, I’ll probably bottle it and put it on Salah 🙂

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

          For me Salah scores against any defence and Utd’s hasn’t exactly looked good! But it’s certainly a touch week for the arm band with Kaku out.

  21. LiamK17
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Last minute decision:

    Start:
    A) Mbeum
    B) Saka
    C) AArms

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

      Yikes! I’d say def not Armstrong. I own him and on my bench. Saka for me but just

    2. Honker Muddlefoot
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      I might go A just to remove Saka cameo uncertainty with his injury, but if Saka’s okay, think either A or B could return for you this week.

  22. Honker Muddlefoot
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Jota > Zaha for -4 too punty?

    Was toying with it as my free before Lukaku injury. Tempted by Palace’s fixtures with NEW, BUR, and Leeds, but also don’t know if I fully trust him to haul. Foden and Havertz feel like same mid-term rotation risks, so don’t really want to take a hit to keep same problem I’m trying to get out of.

  23. OptimusBlack
    • 10 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Which is best ?
    A- Ronaldo + Sarr/Benny >
    Auba + Havertz
    B- Antonio + Benny >
    Havertz + Toney

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

      A with Benny out

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

    Would anyone consider a Vardy Nacho double up from GW10?

    Getting less confident about Antonio looking at WH fixtures. Leicester on the other hand have a decent run coming up and looks like Rodgers will be going two up top from now.

    Front 3 would be

    Vardy Nacho Edouard

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

    Messed up my comment earlier. QC'd now!

    A) Bench Livramento
    B) Bench Jota
    C) Bench someone else instead?

    Sanchez
    TAA / Cancelo / Chilwell
    Salah / Jota / Raphinha / Mbeumo
    Vardy / Antonio / Toney

    Steele // Livramento / White / Bissouma

    Likely move next week is Jota > Son (for free).

  26. Aaron P
    • 4 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Saka & Lukaku > Toney & Havertz for a -4

    What you think guys?

    1. Goro Majima
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Done exactly this, so yep for me.

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

    Bench one? (Start the other three)

    A Toney
    B Livramento
    C Mbeumo
    D TAA

    1. Honker Muddlefoot
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Maybe C? Mbeumo taking up higher positions, but feel like Toney likely to be involved any goal Brentford score, so more chances for some sort of return.

  28. DavidSilva
    • 14 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Foden to Havertz for -4 and will make him (C)?

    Yes or No

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

      Yes

  29. Big_Andy_GAWA
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    The Guardian fancying Mahrez to start for City... 😮

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

    Who should you bench?

    A. ESR
    B. Mbeumo

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

      A

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

        This