Team News

FPL team news: Gameweek 23 updates on Son, Ronaldo, James and more

We’ve got the Fantasy Premier League (FPL) team news information in our second press conference summary ahead of Gameweek 23, which also includes a big Double Gameweek 25 hint from Ralf Rangnick.

You catch the headline updates from Thursday’s pressers – featuring Leeds United, Southampton, Watford, Brentford and Norwich City via this link here.

For much more detailed information, check out our Predicted Line-ups page 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 23 guide here.

LIVERPOOL

As well as African Cup of Nations (AFCON) trio Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane and Naby Keita, manager Jurgen Klopp is unsure whether Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain will face Crystal Palace after being forced off against Brentford last weekend with a foot problem. He also explained Thursday night’s half-time withdrawal of Joel Matip:

“Joel [Matip’s substitution] was not tactical, we thought something was not 100% right. We had Ibou and Joe on the bench, so that’s why we changed it. The rest, as far as I know, were only knocks.”

Divock Origi (knee), Thiago (hip) and Nathaniel Phillips (cheekbone) are on the sidelines but Harvey Elliott may return from his ankle injury after the winter break.

MANCHESTER UNITED

Cristiano Ronaldo (neck) is a doubt for Manchester United’s clash with West Ham United and faces a late check to determine his availability.

“Cristiano is a question mark because he has a problem with his neck. He received treatment yesterday for two-three hours and we will have to wait to see how he feels today.” – Ralf Rangnick

Full-backs Luke Shaw (hamstring) and Aaron Wan-Bissaka (illness) won’t be available, suggesting that Diogo Dalot and Alex Telles will retain their places. With Eric Bailly at AFCON and Victor Lindelof (personal reasons) also unavailable, there should be a return for Harry Maguire (rib) at centre-back. Jadon Sancho might not be in the right frame of mind to take part, however.

“He [Lindelof] said to me that he right now needs to stay at home. He doesn’t want to leave his wife and family on their own. We agreed that he will not be training today and also not be on duty tomorrow for the game. Jadon [Sancho] didn’t train because he still asked to be able to not train. He attended the [family] funeral on Wednesday. It’s still affected him quite a lot. Right now, I’m not sure if he will be available.” – Ralf Rangnick

Paul Pogba (thigh) is getting closer to a return. Both Scott McTominay (back) and Edinson Cavani (muscle) should be declared fit.

As for the Double Gameweek 25 tease we mentioned earlier…

“”On top of my list is how can we win the game against West Ham, then after the international break, the upcoming games: in the cup against Middlesbrough, Burnley, playing Southampton at home, playing Brighton at home.” – Ralf Rangnick

ARSENAL

Alongside the suspensions of Granit Xhaka and Thomas Partey, Mikel Arteta will be without AFCON representatives Nicolas Pepe and Mohamed Elneny this weekend. He wasn’t comfortable with having to play Takehiro Tomiyasu against Liverpool on Thursday, despite a calf issue, but felt the knocks to Cedric and Calum Chambers forced his hand.

“We didn’t want to play him, we had to push him because Cedric and Calum [Chambers] were out and we didn’t have any full-backs. He didn’t have any training sessions with us, and still was willing to play.”

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang was sent home from AFCON by Gabon because they found some heart lesions during a scan.

CHELSEA

Not much to say from Thomas Tuchel, who is still without Ben Chilwell (knee), Edouard Mendy (international duty) and Trevoh Chalobah (hamstring). He hopes Andreas Christensen (Covid) will be back in training next week, with good news on the progression of Reece James‘ hamstring injury.

“He is back on the pitch but is in individual training, so far away from being part of the squad in Sunday’s game. Nobody is coming back, it’s the same squad.” Thomas Tuchel on Reece James

MANCHESTER CITY

Oleksandr Zinchenko is out because of a knock but Nathan Ake should be passed fit. Although Algeria were eliminated after the AFCON group phase, Pep Guardiola is giving Riyad Mahrez a week’s holiday.

“He has holiday for a week. After African Cup (of Nations), he [has] permission for [a] week off. He’ll come back next week.”

TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR

As expected, Son Heung-min (muscle) will not be back for this Gameweek and, like Cristian Romero (hamstring), is aiming to return after the imminent international break. Eric Dier (muscle) is likely to start against Chelsea.

“We are trying to manage a couple of situations, fresh injuries. Eric Dier had a good training session for us and is available. Sonny [Heung-min] not yet. We have to wait. He’s recovering very well but I’m sure we have to wait until after the international break.” – Antonio Conte

LEICESTER CITY

James Justin returned from a long-term injury to play his first competitive minutes of the season in Gameweek 22. The squad crisis that Brendan Rodgers recently faced is starting to ease up, aided by the return of Daniel Amartey from international duty. Still out there are Kelechi Iheanacho and Wilfred Ndidi, with the likes of Jamie Vardy (hamstring), Wesley Fofana (leg), Ricardo Pereira (leg) and Jonny Evans (hamstring) not able to play.

“It’s a clean bill of health. [James Justin] came through it really well so that was great news for us. Thus far, everyone is okay. [Daniel Amartey] has come back. He’s worked today and he’ll be available for the weekend.” – Brendan Rodgers

Ryan Bertrand (knee) and Timothy Castagne (thigh) also remain injured.

ASTON VILLA

Centre-back Ezri Konsa (hip) may not be available for Villa’s trip to Everton but – apart from known injuries to Leon Bailey (muscle) and Marvelous Nakamba (knee) – there is very little to report.

“There’s nothing in terms of illness, assuming everyone comes through the testing process this morning. We’ve got a doubt with Ezri Konsa, which you’ll know from the previous game. He left the pitch with a severe whack on his hip, so we’ll make a late decision on that. Besides that, we’re in good health.” – Steven Gerrard

Trezeguet and Bertrand Traore are away on international duty, whilst John McGinn‘s suspension has ended.

NEWCASTLE

Frustrated by not securing any new signings this week, Eddie Howe has confirmed that Callum Wilson (calf), Federico Fernandez (thigh) and Isaac Hayden (knee) remain injured. Left-back Matt Ritchie is a doubt.

“We’ve had Dwight Gayle and Jeff Hendrick return to training this week. Matt Ritchie has a knee problem so we’ll have to assess him. We’re still missing the long term injuries in Callum Wilson, Federico Fernández and Isaac Hayden.”

Javier Manquillo returns from a one-match suspension.

CRYSTAL PALACE

Jordan Ayew is back early from the African Cup of Nations after Ghana’s early elimination, so he could take part for the Eagles this weekend. Wilfried Zaha and Cheikhou Kouyate are still at the tournament, with James McArthur (hamstring) and James Tomkins (knock) still injured.

EVERTON

Anwar El-Ghazi is ineligible to debut for Everton against parent club Aston Villa but caretaker manager Duncan Ferguson doesn’t have much to worry about. Only Tom Davies (knee), Alex Iwobi (international duty) and Fabian Delph (illness) are absent, with a probability that Allan (illness) and Jarrad Branthwaite (hamstring) will be passed fit.

“We’ve got a more or less fully fit squad. They’re all on the training pitch. Fabian Delph [is out] and just the long-term injuries.”

WEST HAM UNITED

As with Mahrez, the Algerian elimination means an early return for Said Benrahma, although David Moyes hasn’t said if he’ll go straight into his matchday squad. Elsewhere, Angelo Ogbonna and Mark Noble have knee injuries, Kurt Zouma (hamstring) isn’t yet ready to return and there’s also uncertainty over Tomas Soucek (Covid).

“We’ve had Covid and we have Covid like everybody else. We have injuries as well, which all has an effect on the players you have available. Tomáš [Soucek] has come back from Covid – we’re not quite sure yet if he’s ready.” – David Moyes

BRIGHTON AND HOVE ALBION

Assistant manager Billy Reid – filling in for the Covid-stricken Graham Potter – confirmed that Shane Duffy (ankle) and Adam Lallana (hamstring) won’t make the trip to Leicester, although Lewis Dunk (knee) has a chance.

Enock Mwepu (hamstring), Yves Bissouma (AFCON), Jeremy Sarmiento (hamstring) and Jason Steele (back) also will not play.

“Shane Duffy won’t make Sunday, and Adam Lallana will be the same. If Lewis Dunk comes through the final session on Saturday. “He could be in the squad.” – assistant manager Billy Reid

WOLVERHAMPTON WANDERERS

Ruben Neves missed the win over Southampton because of Covid but will return to the side this weekend. Hwang Hee-chan (hamstring), Willy Boly (calf), Romain Saiss (AFCON) and Yerson Mosquera (thigh) are still absent but Marcal (knock) has an outside chance.

Pedro Neto (knee) is a “couple of weeks away” from his first training session back, a milestone that full-back Jonny has finally accomplished after missing almost a year with his own knee issue.

“The next step is for him to win confidence and be comfortable. For now, we go day-by-day, then we can push for more. Yesterday, for the first time he did the whole session. I’m very happy.” – Bruno Lage on Jonny

BURNLEY

Having only played twice over the last six Gameweeks, Sean Dyche is confident that Sunday’s match with Arsenal will go ahead.

“We’ve got a few who are beginning to come back, we’re looking a bit healthier. It has been a long list but we have different people returning. We had 16 out there today, we should be fine.”

Maxwel Cornet is away on international duty but names like Erik Pieters, Matej Vydra, Johann Berg Gudmundsson, Nathan Collins and Dwight McNeil are all likely to feature after recovering from Covid. Ashley Barnes (thigh) remains out and there is a doubt over left-back Charlie Taylor (knock).

“Barnesy is still getting over his injury but he’s beginning to get on the grass with us now. Charlie Taylor is touch and go, got a knock on his foot last weekend. Maxwel [Cornet] is still away until at least Wednesday.”

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

3,448 Comments Post a Comment
  1. 007 [RoboKlopp]
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    Ronaldo, Maddison -> Dennis, KDB

    For -4, yes or no?
    Good luck all.

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

      No just do Ronnie to Dennis

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

      I don't mind it

  2. FPL Brains
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    Here's one for you. Isit worth TC Dennis?

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

      Nah Salah TC later

    2. Steve The Spud
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      I’d say no, but of course it could pay off nicely

    3. Pat Bonner
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      Not when Liverpool might have Leeds and Norwich double in 26

    4. estheblessed
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      Hummm, tough one. He's not been as prolific so going on recent form I would say NO. Those fixtures are plumb tho I can see how you are tempted.

    5. bitm2007
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      You will regret it if Salah gets DGW26 (NOR, LEE)

    6. FPL Brains
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      Thanks chaps. I'll go on the side of caution.

  3. Jet5605
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    CR7 & Son > Raph & Dennis (c) for -4? Gives funds to do Jorg > Salah next week

    DDG
    TAA - (C)ancelo - Coady
    Jorghino - Jota - Bowen - Maddison
    CR7 - Antonio - King

    Bachman - Lamptey - Son - Dier

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

      Looks fine

    2. Pegboy
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      I'd probably just do Son>KDB, but I don't hate it

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

    A. Gray to Raphinha
    B. Alonso to Laporte
    C. Roll FT.

    1FT 2.9ITB
    Foster
    Cancelo TAA Alonso
    Jota Bowen Foden Gray ​
    Watkins King Antonio
    (Ramsdale Salah Dawson Livramento)

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

      A

    2. Cojones of Destiny
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      A

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

    Foster
    Alonso Cancelo TAA
    Foden Mount Bowen Jota Gray
    King Ronaldo
    (DDG Watkins Coufal Livra)

    a) CR7 > Dennis
    b) Alonso > Laporte/Digne
    c) Mount & CR7 > KDB(c) & Dennis (-4)
    d) Roll FT

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

      I don't mind C

    2. Shearer & Sutton
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      A

  6. CRAZY TRAIN
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    Who else is on the WC wagon for GW24?

    1. tbos83
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      On board toot toot!

  7. EL tridente
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    James to
    A) Digne
    B) Cash
    C) Cucarella (looks like Brighton Will get DGW both in 25 and 26)
    D) Watford defender

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

      A

  8. FredUpAlready
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    Just did DCL to Dennis for free.
    Have another FT. Best options?
    a) Gray > Raphinha
    b) Son > De Bruyne, already have Foden
    c) Save FT and play Gray

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

      B

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

      B

  9. mdm
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    Which option:

    A. Antonio -> King
    B. Ronaldo -> King
    C. save FT

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

      B

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

      A

    3. Shearer & Sutton
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      B

  10. Steve The Spud
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 4 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    Who would you (c) if owning both king and Dennis?

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

      King

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

      Maybe Dennis

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

      Think it’s a coin toss so no need to bet against EO in my book. It’s Menace time

  11. oi no professionals
    • 13 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    Bench one:
    A. Reguilon
    B. Alonso
    C. ESR

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

      B

  12. Big Ronnie
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    Repost. 1 FT and £4.4m ITB. Which option is the best? Thinking B or C

    A) Rudiger to Laporte
    B) Bilva to Foden
    C) Bilva to Raphina
    D) A and B/C for -4
    E) Save

    Ramsdale
    TAA, Cancelo, Rudiger,
    Fernandes, Saka, Jota, Bilva, Bowen
    Antonio, Dennis (C)

    DDG, Reguilon, Coufal, Archer

  13. Ivan Toney Soprano
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    Would you play digne (eve) or ait nouri (bre) this week?

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

      Ait

    2. Cojones of Destiny
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      Ait

  14. ididnt
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    Captain:

    Bruno
    Foden
    Jota
    TAA
    Dennis
    King

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

      King

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

      King

    3. roghippo
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      I'm tempted by Bruno

  15. barton fc
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    Any one know why fpl review has villa down for having a treble game week?

  16. waltzingmatildas
    • 13 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    A) son to foden
    B) son, alonso to kdb, ait-nouri
    C) son, ronaldo to kdb, pedro

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

      A

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

      A

  17. jb1985
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    Have DDG in goal, would you play Ramsey(Eve) over Bowen or Antonio?

    1. waltzingmatildas
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      Hmm possibly over antonio

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

      I'd play the West Ham duo.

  18. FPL ZB
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    Bench one of Antonio, Bowen, Gray, Watkins?

    1. waltzingmatildas
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      Gray

  19. Boss Hogg
    • 14 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    Last place in my starting XI this week:

    a.) Bowen
    b.) Gray
    c.) KDB (sell Gray for a -4 hit)

    ????

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

      Bowen

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

    Play

    A Maddison
    B Bowen

    other mids Sterling Jota Raphinha

  21. Dynamic Duos
    • 10 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    Chicken and sweetcorn soup, Prawn toast , 1/4 crispy duck , large spring roll, Chicken ball with Curry sauce and Singapore Fried rice, is it 5pm yet lol

  22. HD7
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    Should I buy Dennis or King, mates?

    I know there is probably a big discussion today... Dennis scores more and King is on pens, right?

  23. Visionaries
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    Is Foster due to start anyone know?

    A Dalot > Cathcart
    B Fab > Foster

    1. Cojones of Destiny
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      В

  24. zon
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    Afternoon lads, what do you reckon for this lot

    Ramsdale (DDG)
    Alonso TAA Cancelo (Emerson Livra)
    Foden Jota Bowen Mount (Moura)
    King(c) Watkins Antonio

    A1) Alonso -> Digne
    A2) Livra -> Digne
    B) save FT?

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

      B

    2. oi no professionals
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      B

  25. Jebiga
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    Bench gray or dcl?

    1. Max City
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      Gray

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

    A. Silva to KDB for free
    B. Guita to Foster for free (Bachman is the other goalie)
    C. Both A and B for -4

  27. Sun Jihai
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    Wondering.. Ronaldo + Gray to:

    A) Kane + Saka
    B) Dennis + KDB
    C) Watkins + Sterling

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

      B easy

  28. Ligdon
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    What is this Ronaldo craic

  29. TheBear
    • 14 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    DDG
    TAA Cancelo Alonso
    Jota Bowen Foden Bilva Maddison
    Dennis (C) Kane

    Steele,Antonio,Coufal,Livra

    Tempted to swap Steele to Foster and play him….. or Alonso out.

    Either that or save FT?

  30. C_G
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    am i gtg? no hits taken, 1.6 ITB

    Sanchez

    TAA Cancelo White

    Bruno Bowen Jota Foden Raph

    Dennis Laca

    Steele Antonio Rudi Livra