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. DAZZ
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    Will we see the City team bus before the deadline???

    1. Karan14
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      Might get some rumours for sure.

    2. Gudjohnsen
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      I'll be sleeping

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

      Luckily that's the first game tomorrow, so we could get some more info before deadline

    4. Sting in the Tail
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      There are rumours on twitter (from Luke) that Foden has Covid.

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

    Ronaldo+Martinelli >> Kane+Gray for free?

    DDG
    TAA. Cancelo. Reguilón
    Son. Jota. Foden. Bowen
    Ronaldo. Antonio. Broja
    (Foster, Dalot, Tierney, Martinelli)

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

      oh that does look good

  3. GCM0803
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    James, Gallagher > coufal, Bowen (-4) ?

    1. IN SANE IN DE BRUYNE
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      Yay

    2. ManTree(v2!) or just JAY!
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      Yes

  4. Bobby Digital
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    Keane, Gray or Benrahma?

    1. Gudjohnsen
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      Gray

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

    Gray or Antonio?

    1. Gudjohnsen
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      Antonio

    2. acidicleo
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      Antonio

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

      Antonio

  6. acidicleo
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    Guys do Coufal and Johnson compete for one spot?
    Are they both rotation risk as a result?

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

      Yes they are both right backs. However, with Cresswell out, Johnson has flipped to left back so they have both been playing. But when Cresswell is back, they will be bare knuckle boxing for one spot most likely.

      1. acidicleo
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 2 months ago

        Thanks ..So both are likely to play both matches in DGW?

        1. Bill Haverchuck
          • 11 Years
          2 years, 2 months ago

          Masuaku has played games lately due to injuries mainly, but he might get some minutes

  7. youzef
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    Used my 2 ft to transfer out b. Silva and king to Antonio and Bowen

    1. Keep team as is
    2. Rudiger to a DGW defender Coulal/Dawson/Keane (-4) and bench cash
    3. Rudiger and Foden to a DGW defender and gray (-8)
    4. Foden and Broja to a DGW Defender and DCL

    Current Team
    DDG
    Dalot Cancelo Cash
    Son Bowen Foden Jota
    Ronaldo Antonio
    Bench Bachmann Broja Alonso Rudiger

    1. RogDog_jimmy
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      At most I’d do B but with Alonso not Rudiger.

    2. acidicleo
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      Easy 2

  8. RogDog_jimmy
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    Considering a -8
    Gallagher + Martinelli + James > Bowen + Gray + Johnson

    Would given me

    DDG
    Cancelo, Reguillon, Johnson
    Foden, Gundogan, Bowen, Gray
    Ronaldo, Antonio, Watkins

    Foster, Jota, TAA, Alonso

    A dud result in Che-Liv would be great.
    Ultimately think this is a little unnecessary.

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

      Dont take a -8 to bench TAA and Jota

      1. Sheffield Wednesday
        • 3 Years
        2 years, 2 months ago

        Never thought I'd see someone having to point this out.

        1. Avery
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 4 Years
          2 years, 2 months ago

          I agree, but what is funny though Liv has 3 new covid cases, would hate for either to have it.

    2. acidicleo
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      I would play Jota and TAA over Gray and Gundo.

  9. pundit of punts
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    GTG? On -4 🙂

    DDG
    TAA - Cancelo - Dawson
    Son - Foden - Bernardo - Bowen
    Antonio - Watkins - DCL

    Foster - Jota - Livramento - Manquillo

    Bench Jota or Bernardo?

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

      If the Foden covid rumours are true it wont matter. Jota ahead of Bernardo for me.

      1. pundit of punts
        • 11 Years
        2 years, 2 months ago

        Where’s this come from now?

        Any links?

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

          FFS Luke on twitter

      2. DA Minnion (Former great)
        • 11 Years
        2 years, 2 months ago

        What's this now?

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

      Play Jota over Bilva and you're good

  10. Super John McGinn-
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    De Gea
    TAA, Cancelo, Alonso
    Son, Foden, Jota, Martinelli
    Ronaldo, Antonio, Dennis.

    Foster, Livramento, ESR, James

    1 FT 0.2 ITB

    A) James + ESR > Reguilon/Coufal + Bowen (-4)
    B) James > Reg/Coufal
    C) Other

  11. jimmyharte
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    Mount, ESR, King > Gray, Bowen & DCL

    What you guys reckon?

    1. jimmyharte
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      -4

      1. JoJoRed
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        2 years, 2 months ago

        You already have Antonio?

        1. jimmyharte
          • 6 Years
          2 years, 2 months ago

          Yup!

          1. JoJoRed
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 10 Years
            2 years, 2 months ago

            Definitely Bowen. I'm not convinced by Everton. I'd be inclined to get 1 or none of Gray or DCL

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

            I'm considering Soucek over Gray. Even though I'm worried Soucek may not get forward as much with Rice back for Noble

  12. Stranger Mings
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    Anyone know if gray is fit and will play at weekend? Thanks

    1. ZTF
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      Certainly sounds like it

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

        Thanks could be gold DGW player

  13. Kodap
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    Okay, decided to do Bilva > Bowen 100%.

    Need to shift James and happy taking a -4, who’s my best replacement?

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

      Coufal if any

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

        Coufal over anyone else? Like a spurs defender?

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

      My question too... Will probably do James to Johnson and later bring in Laporte with the cash.

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

        Coufal does look appealing to be fair on a double too.

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

    Bilva/Dennis to Gray/Antonio worth -8?

    Or just for free James to Coufal/Keane or Bilva to Gray for -4?

    Only dgw player is Bowen

  15. Digital-Real
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    Foden out?

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

      Why?

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

        Rumour he has covid

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

          Another rubbish rumour on here…

          1. Lord of Ings
            • 8 Years
            2 years, 2 months ago

            Luke posted it
            I’m not sure it’s rubbish.

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

            Wasn’t rubbish was it

  16. sirmorbach
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    Please. lads:

    Lloris
    TAA, Dias, Cancelo
    Salah, Jota, Foden, Bowen
    Watkins, Antonio, Broja

    Cash, Martinelli, James*

    A. James to Coufal
    B. Martinelli to Gray
    C. Save FT

    Cheers! Happy New Year!

    1. IN SANE IN DE BRUYNE
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      Maybe D, both A and B

  17. Feanor
    • 14 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    Best 5m or less defense? Thinking Coufal

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

      Keane/Johnson

  18. ZTF
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    Why is Maddison still flagged? Rodgers said he would be okay for Norwich and they now have another 10 days rest.

  19. JoJoRed
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    With Rice back is Soucek likely to sit more?

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

      He’ll be hooked off early if he spends most of the game sitting.

  20. swanseag55
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    Would you play Keane over any of TAA, Cancelo or Reguilon? At the moment I am not but saw the RMT and they have Keane scoring higher….

  21. CelticBhoy1
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    Any update on Gallagher or James?

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

      James is out for a good while, Gallagher not sure

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

      James 6-8 weeks
      Gallagher said they were waiting to see and would know more this evening … which means we know nothing …

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

    Is James to Coufal worth a -4?

    Will need to bench one of the following if yes: Cancelo, TAA, Reguilon, Jota, Foden

    If one of the defenders can't play, then Rudiger will sub on

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

      Yes Coufal hit is worth it. Bench Foden as he most likely has covid

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

        Thanks for the info! Any source on the Foden rumors / news?

  23. mcginnntonic
    • 4 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    Would you keep martinelli or smith rowe?

    James & M/ESR to Bowen & Lamtpey?

    Already have reguilon.

    1. JoJoRed
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      ESR

  24. Saintjack01
    • 2 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    Gray or Bowen, I already have Antonio so leaning towards gray a bit more

    1. JoJoRed
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      Bowen

    2. Coys96
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      I prefer Bowen this GW but Gray has better fixtures past the double with the likelihood of another double in 22. I'd go Bowen, looking to get Gray in next GW.

      1. Saintjack01
        • 2 Years
        2 years, 2 months ago

        I could get both?

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

      Bowen all day long

  25. Ginkapo FPL
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    If Foden has covid then we can all assume Grealish does as well

    1. Bedknobs and Boomsticks
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      Devestation in the massage parlours if Manchester.

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

        Indeed, especially if they like to share everything else the way they share minutes.

  26. TeddiPonza
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    With Foden a doubt according to some sources, is it better to do James to BJohnson rather than Bernardo to Gray to fund Antonio? First move would give me a bench of Reguilon Livra and Gelhardt but the second one, only Livra and Gelhardt.

  27. BobB
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    Watford have stopped Dennis going to Afcon. Liverpool - grow a pair!

  28. Kodap
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    Am I being blinded by the DGW? Coufal has been a poor FPL asset all season, but now everyone wants him.

    I need to shift James & he seems like a decent option, but over the likes of Davies/Emerson?

    1. Coys96
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      Reguilon if you haven't got him

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

      I think your eyes are open …. But it’s like the one ring that rules them all … drawing you in …

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

      I like Keane, Dawson and BJohnson over Coufal

  29. Coys96
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    WC locked and loaded (my team was crap, and yes my bench will score a ton this GW)

    Thoughts?

    DDG
    Johnson Pinnock Reguilon
    Son Bowen Doucoure Gray
    Kane DCL Antonio

    Foster TAA Jota VVD

    Will BB in 22 with a likely move of Pinnock to Ait-Nouri.

  30. jonnybhoy
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    Choose 2 from the following.

    A) Gray
    B) Bowen
    C) Son
    D) All 3 for -8pts

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

      All