Team News

FPL team news: Gameweek 21 updates on Gallagher, James and Liverpool Covid cases

We’ve got the Fantasy Premier League (FPL) team news information in our second press conference summary ahead of Double Gameweek 21.

A dozen top-flight managers faced the media on Friday, with the conference calls of Ralph Hasenhuttl and Eddie Howe not staged due to the postponement of Southampton v Newcastle United.

You catch the headline updates from Thursday’s pressers – featuring Leicester City, Tottenham Hotspur and West Ham United via this link here.

For much more detailed information, check out our Predicted Line-ups page (which is being refreshed on Friday evening) and Injuries and Bans feed.

Az and Neale’s video round-up is below, meanwhile:

And for other help and advice, from our weekly Scout Picks to team reveals, head to our complete Gameweek 21 guide here.

LIVERPOOL

FPL managers will be slightly concerned by Jurgen Klopp’s comments on his squad’s Covid situation.

“We have three new Covid cases in the team and a few more in the staff. I’m not [able to tell you who] because we still have to make the whole processes, get a proper PCR, all these kind of things. You will see the day after tomorrow on the teamsheet, it’s pretty clear then who is affected or infected.”

There’s no word yet on the identities of these new cases, although Alisson and Roberto Firmino were absent from training on Thursday. The third player in question tested positive on Friday morning.

Andrew Robertson will be serving the third and final match of his suspension, meanwhile.

Nathaniel Phillips (cheekbone), Adrian (calf), Divock Origi (knee) and Harvey Elliott (ankle) are known injuries but Klopp also added Takumi Minamino (muscle) and Thiago (hip) to the list.

“I would say Taki [Minamino] is probably closer, he’s running outside. Thiago, not yet. That means for him it might take a little longer. It’s a hip issue and we don’t have an idea where it’s coming from.”

CHELSEA

Reece James‘ hamstring injury was being scanned on Friday, with media reporrts suggesting it is a tear that will keep him out for up to two months.

Thomas Tuchel also confirmed that the left-sided Ben Chilwell won’t return from his knee injury this season.

“With Reece [James], he has a hamstring injury. Like always with muscle injuries, the exam is a bit later because the images are better if you wait a bit. The images will be later today, I guess, then we will know more about it.”

Andreas Christensen also left Wednesday night’s match early, this time due to a lower back issue. The fourth defender to succumb to injury is Thiago Silva (hamstring), although he and Timo Werner (Covid) were pictured back in training on Friday.

Doubts remain over Ruben Loftus-Cheek (ankle), meanwhile.

ARSENAL

Takehiro Tomiyasu, Pablo Mari, Cedric Soares, Calum Chambers and Albert Sambi Lokonga all missed the Gameweek 19 win at Norwich City because of Covid but Mikel Arteta doesn’t have any more cases to report.

“The rest of the squad is in a good place, we tested the players and we don’t have any other news than the ones we had before.”

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, serving an internal club suspension, has been granted permission to join the Gabon AFCON squad early, whilst Sead Kolasinac (ankle) remains out for the foreseeable future.

LEEDS UNITED

Marcelo Bielsa was able to deliver both good and bad news, with Kalvin Phillips (hamstring) and Liam Cooper (hamstring) out until March but names like Daniel James (hip), Diego Llorente (illness), Jack Harrison (hip) and Junior Firpo (suspension) declared available for the six-pointer against Burnley.

Patrick Bamford is back from his own hamstring problem – the one that recurred when scoring his comeback goal against Brentford – but there is a match fitness issue that Bielsa intends to control. Jamie Shackleton (achilles), Rodrigo (heel), Charlie Cresswell (shoulder) and Pascal Struijk (knee) remain out.

“This is the fourth week since Patrick’s [Bamford] injury. Patrick is healthy but he hasn’t played for four weeks now. That puts into doubt the convenience of him playing without having done any football training sessions. Phillips and Cooper will return in March. Shackleton and Cresswell will come back towards the end of January or beginning of February.”

ASTON VILLA

Several Covid victims were able to play last time out in Gameweek 19 like Morgan Sanson and Anwar El Ghazi, as Bertrand Traore made his return from a thigh injury.

This time, it’s just the ongoing problems of Leon Bailey (muscle) and Marvelous Nakamba (knee) alongside Tyrone Mings‘ suspension for receiving his fifth yellow card of the season. A late call will be made on Ashley Young (toe).

“Bailey will still be missing, and Nakamba. Young has got an outside chance, he has a little fracture in his toe, but he is pushing to be available. Other than that, we should have the whole group available, dependent on COVID testing.” – Steven Gerrard

WATFORD

Kiko Femenia (hamstring) has joined Danny Rose (knee), Ismaila Sarr (knee), Nicolas Nkoulou (hamstring), Peter Etebo (thigh) and Kwadwo Baah (ankle) on the Hornets’ injury list.

Tom Cleverley (hamstring) is available for the match against Tottenham, whilst Ben Foster (groin) began training outside this week and is ahead of schedule. Christian Kabasele (calf) is due to begin training with the squad again next week.

CRYSTAL PALACE

Assistant manager Osian Roberts spoke to the press in the absence of Patrick Vieira, who is recovering after testing positive for Covid. He was unable to give clarity on Conor Gallagher‘s illness, the one that caused him to miss the 3-0 win over Norwich City.

“It’s one we’re unsure of and we’re tackling it on a day to day basis. The rest of the group, we will see what today brings. Hopefully, we’ll have clarity later on this evening.” – assistant manager Osian Roberts

Joachim Andersen (muscle) could be available and Wilfried Zaha is free of suspension after his red card at Spurs. It’s too soon for James McArthur (hamstring) to return, however.

BRIGHTON AND HOVE ALBION

The recent recoveries of Danny Welbeck (hamstring), Joel Veltman (fatigue), Neal Maupay (Covid) and Pascal Gross (Covid) have greatly reduced the Seagulls’ injury list, with just Lewis Dunk (knee) and Jeremy Sarmiento (hamstring) out. As for Leandro Trossard, there is optimism that he will recover from his slight hamstring issue.

“We’re hopeful he’ll be available.” – Graham Potter on Leandro Trossard

BURNLEY

Covid robbed Nick Pope, Kevin Long, Josh Brownhill and Jay Rodriguez of involvement at Old Trafford but all bar Brownhill could return at Leeds. Ashley Barnes (thigh) has “had a little minor setback” and Connor Roberts (illness) is making progress but is “not there yet”.

Maxwel Cornet (thigh) may be risked, considering his importance to the team and imminent post-match departure to AFCON.

“Kevin Long is back in after his Covid case and two others we’re waiting at the end of their Covid spell, so we’re hopeful that they come back in the next 24 hours. Josh Brownhill won’t because of the protocols. Ashley Barnes had a little minor setback so he’s still a bit of time away. Maxwel [Cornet] has made really good progress and has been on the grass today, so he comes back into the thinking. We’ll have to be careful and decide with him.” – Sean Dyche

BRENTFORD

Thomas Frank has ruled Rico Henry (hamstring) out of facing Aston Villa but labels Bryan Mbeumo (calf) as a vague “touch and go”. Kristoffer Ajer (hamstring), Vitaly Janelt (Covid) and Dominic Thompson (ankle) may make the bench on Sunday but it’s too soon for names like David Raya (knee), Mathias ‘Zanka’ Jorgensen (hamstring), Charlie Goode (hamstring) and Joshua Dasilva (hip).

The Bees can at least welcome back midfielder Christian Norgaard from suspension.

EVERTON

Dominic Calvert-Lewin (thigh) was due to make his return against Newcastle United, had the game not been called off. FPL managers will be excited to see him back, having scored in all three early-season matches before getting hurt. However, Rafael Benitez hasn’t yet decided how strongly to ease him back into action.

“The issue will be how long he can play if he starts the game or, if he comes from the bench, how much impact he can [have on] the game. We are considering all these things but he’s training well.”

Richarlison (calf), Andros Townsend (foot), Tom Davies (knee) and Yerry Mina (calf) remain unavailable, with nothing said on the status of Lucas Digne or Demarai Gray. Everton’s Boxing Day match was postponed because they only had nine outfield players available but Benitez wouldn’t be drawn into specifying any more than that.

“We had issues with Covid and these players that had problems are coming back. They have been training so we are much better. We cannot give names, we cannot give numbers.”

WOLVERHAMPTON WANDERERS

Rayan Ait-Nouri (muscle) is about to join the squad for training but won’t make the clash against Manchester United. Also out are Hwang Hee-chan (hamstring), Willy Boly (calf), Pedro Neto (knee), Jonny (knee) and Yerson Mosquera (thigh), with a slight chance that Fabio Silva will be back from Covid to make an appearance.

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

940 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Ginkapo FPL
    • 13 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Remember make your transfers now or wake up to an inspired -16pt hit

  2. El Presidente
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    It's well and dandy but there's no guarantee WHU vs NOR goes ahead...

    1. Bobby Digital
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Game's almost two weeks away

  3. Tmel
    • 13 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    a) James > Coufal (-4)
    b) James > Keane (-4)
    c) James > Reguilon (-4)
    d) James > Emerson Royal (-4)
    e) Play King (TOT)

  4. Rassi
    • 10 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Foden covid rumours emerging. Just rumours of course...

    1. Philosopher's Stones
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Yeah, gotta follow how it progresses tomorrow

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

      I trust Luke honestly. Hes not the type to just throw out random rumours unless he trusts the source. Of course if hes wrong he's wrong, but still

    3. Lord of Ings
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Source?

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

        From Luke so im inclined to think he wouldnt post it unless theres some weight behind it

        1. Avery
          • 4 Years
          2 years, 10 months ago

          Agree - he wouldn't welcome un wanted grief if he didn't think it was true

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

    Which is better?

    A- Broja
    B- DCL -4

  6. THFC4LIFE
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Who’s your captain? Happy new year all

    1. fricky_
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Bowen.

  7. It’s gonna Ben Mee
    • 10 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    DGW+NYE+WC = one deadly cocktail!

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

    Bernardo out and keep Gundo right? Feels like Gundo could start and he's always looked more attacking than Bernardo when he plays

    1. fricky_
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Would definitely think Gundo starts yes

  9. Philosopher's Stones
    • 4 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Rumours going around on twitter that Foden has covid

    1. Stranger Mings
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Oh come in really ?!

    2. fricky_
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Please no

    3. Lord of Ings
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Really?

    4. Stranger Mings
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      If that’s true makes me tempted to go foden to gray -4

      1. jay01
        • 10 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        Is gray fit for sunday?

        1. Stranger Mings
          • 3 Years
          2 years, 10 months ago

          I think so but trying to check now

  10. Bene_the_horse
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Is it worth free hitting if still have 2 free hits left and no double game week players?

    1. fricky_
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Depends on your team

    2. Sheffield Wednesday
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      No. Use the 2FT

  11. Karan14
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    As for the front 3 we already have KDB F9. This would be Grealish imo if KDB is in CM. The reason being is I have it on good authority Foden is out with Covid. Now I debated even putting

    https://twitter.com/ffscout_luke/status/1476999260235309056?t=szMNi-5qMuPgSDqck44BYA&s=19

    Looks like Foden is out with COVID according to Luke

    1. DAZZ
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Literally not seen any news anywhere whatsoever confirming this

    2. ᶠᶦˡᵗʰʸLucre $$$
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      If this is true (which I doubt) he would only miss 1 PL game

  12. Sheffield Wednesday
    • 4 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    James* > Laporte/Dias or Jansson(dgw)?

    DDG (Steele)
    Trent Cancelo Coady (Rüdiger James*)
    Salah Bowen Jota Bernardo (Gallagher*)
    Watkins Antonio Dennis

    £0.7M 1FT

  13. It’s gonna Ben Mee
    • 10 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Keep Bilva. Inevitable brace now that I transferred him out for a hit.

    Happy new year!

    1. Inverted into midfield
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Ha was just thinking to trade for Gray.

  14. ilikewud
    • 4 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    I noticed some games have been added do we expect more? I thought I heard rumours of Watford having a double.

  15. Kodap
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    James & Bilva > Emerson & Bowen for a -4 this week?

    Bit out of the loop with the doubles, but assuming people are captaining Antonio or Bowen?

    1. fricky_
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Yep. Bowen for me

  16. FCSB
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    DDG
    TAA Cancelo Alonso
    Jota Son Bilva Foden Bowen
    Ronaldo King

    Foster Livramento James Davis

    1FT, 0.0itb

    Plan to FH22 but for FH21 what’s the best option (Bowen only current DGWer):

    1. Bilva King >> Gray Antonio (-4) [play Alonso, and have no subs]

    2. James Bilva King >> Dawson (or Coufal) Gray Antonio (-8) [take additional hit to get DGW defender over Alonso]

    Thanks.

  17. Espanyolie
    • 4 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Had the plan for a while to TC in GW21 and FH GW22, but with no obvious choice for a captain (besides Antonio or Bowen, which in general don’t have a super haul in them), maybe better to switch it around?

    1. Sheffield Wednesday
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Apart from Bowen and Antonio (have owned for a while) I don't fancy many of the other dgw options so wouldn't waste a FH on them. I'm often wrong though.

  18. RAFA THE GAFFA
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Which team has the best DGW22?

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

      Liverpool definitely

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

      DGW announced?

  19. wulfrunian
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Tough decision.Dawson or Shaw?

  20. jay01
    • 10 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Play Ramsdale or Sanchez?

    Feel brighton have a higher CS chance but Ramsdale could rack up save points

  21. NorCal Villan
    • 2 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Longtime lurker, finally decided to enter the arena. Cheers to all! Keeping it brief for now, just want to successfully post before unleashing

    1. ilikewud
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Welcome to hell

    2. NorCal Villan
      • 2 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      At least I’m enjoyin’ the ride

  22. Scots Gooner
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Know its not the biggest deal, but using bench more often these days - first on bench - Regulion or Dalot?

    1. Old Bull
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      I’d go Reg

    2. Tonyawesome69
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Reguilon

  23. Garfield1001
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Best nailed west ham defender?

    1. Tonyawesome69
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Dawson

    2. griffzinho
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Pick Keane from Everton instead.

  24. Tonyawesome69
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Thoughts on James, Salah and gallagher to Johnson, Son and Bowen (-4)?

    Possibly Bernardo to Gray for another hit?

    2FT 0ITB
    Ramsdale
    Cancelo TAA James
    Jota Foden Salah Bernardo Gallagher
    Antonio Watkins
    (Foster King Alonso Livramento)

  25. DannyDrinkVodka
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Two free hits so going to attack with a wildcard rather than taking a -12 - any improvements I can make or is this good to go? Maybe Pickford over De Gea? 0.0 ITB

    DDG
    TAA Cancelo Johnson
    Son Foden Bowen(c) Gray
    Kane DCL Antonio

    Jota Reguillon Lamptey Foster

    1. Tonyawesome69
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Looks fine

  26. Garfield1001
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Play Sanchez (eve) or Ramsdale (MCI)?

    Thanks

    1. Tonyawesome69
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Ramsdale for save points

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

        This

    2. WHUFCSmith23
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Sanchez surely?

    3. fricky_
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Sanchez

  27. SAS
    • 10 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    what time is the scouts team published?

  28. DAZZ
    • 10 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Foden covid?? Seen rumours on twitter, can do James and Foden > Johnson + Son -4?

    1. Tonyawesome69
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      If you don't want to keep Jim long term and trust the rumours then it looks fine

  29. FCSB
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Does United v Wolves look ok currently, any update on Wolves status?

  30. The Red Devil
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Feels like one of the few who's not convinced by any of the dgw defenders & would rather buy a city or spurs defender as James replacement

    1. Inverted into midfield
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Yeah was just thinking maybe Dias is safer than Coufal double up