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

    Thoughts on Son & Alonso > Raphinha & Laporte? Wait a week and ship Alonso then?

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

      Both would be for a -4

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

    A or B please?

    A) Ronaldo to Dennis-4
    B) Play Big Mac

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

    Ronaldo is a doubt! Sell him or Antonio for Dennis?

  4. elpiratacordobes
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    Hello All,

    What do you think about these options:

    A) BSilva to Raph (have KDB)
    B) BSilva + CR7 to Bruno + Watkins/ASM for -4

    B with ASM leaves me with enough money ITB for Bruno/KDB to Salah when he is back.

    Thanks and good luck to all.

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

    Was all set on Pickford to SA and Son to Foden as got two transfers. Now want Dennis in and thinking for a hit for Antonio. Sound ok? I could save Son transfer but Coufal would come in, surely worth a hit?

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

    A) Gray -> Foden (rotation risk)
    B) Gray -> Raphinha
    C) Hwang -> King

    ?

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

    a) Ronaldo > Dennis
    b) Gray > Raphina
    c) Ronaldo & Mount > Dennis & KDB (-4)

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

    Coutinho and Lowton
    Or Ramsey and Robbo?

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

      the latter

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

    1) Brownhill -> Foden (-4) (bench Antonio/Ronaldo)
    2) Antonio/Ronaldo -> King (-4) (have Dennis)
    3) Not worth it, play Ronaldo and Antonio

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

      Obviously 3

  10. DaisyDaisyDaisyDaisy
    • 10 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    Easy way to sort that neck problem Ronaldo, just wind it in a bit

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

    Reposting as I need to make this move now

    Antonio+Bilva -> King+KDB (-4). Ronaldo starting with Trossard first sub. Yay or nay?

    1. Elfozzie 42
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      Good move i think.

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

        Thanks

  12. Burger
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    How long is coutinho price protected?

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

      Think that finished yesterday.

      1. Burger
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        2 years, 2 months ago

        Thank you.

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

      Rising tonight

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

    Can't decide between playing Bowen, or buying KDB for a hit and benching Bowen.

    Help?!

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

      Play Bowen

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

      Don't bench Bowen against Man Utd, they are shocking at the back

    3. vandebeek
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      Dont bench bowen against this MU team. Also, he has a really good record against top teams (Liverpool, chelsea i.e.)

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

      Of cource you don't bench Bowen. Even a good captaincy option this gameweek.

  14. vandebeek
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    Third city player - KDB or Laporte...?

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

      Depends on your team.

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

    Roll?
    Lloris
    Digne Cancelo Taa
    Jota Foden KDB Bowen
    DCL Antonio Dennis
    Gray Reguilon Reguilon
    Cheers

  16. LiamK17
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    Captain:

    A) Sterling
    B) Raphina
    C) Jota

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

      A

  17. Drogba Legend
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    Red arrow back down to 66k OR. 1 FT

    Foster
    TAA - Rudiger - Cancelo
    KDB - Jota - Raph - Saka - Bowen
    Ronaldo - Dennis (C)

    DDG - Toney - Burn - Livra**

    A) Save FT
    B) Rudiger > Laporte
    C) Rudiger > Arsenal or Wolves back

    1) Captain Dennis
    2) Captain KDB

    Cheers!!

  18. Sterling Malory
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    On WC, main question is Digne or Tierney?

    GTG this week?

    Foster
    TAA Cancelo Tierney/Digne
    KDB Bruno Jota Bowen Raphinna
    Watkins Dennis (c)
    DDG Lowton AitNouri Broja

    Would you start Lowton over Digne/Tierney

    Broja and AitNouri decent bench options on WC?

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

      Digne

  19. Thanos
    • 2 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    On WC?

    1. KDB
    2. Foden
    3. Bilva

    1. Alcapaul
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      KDB

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

    Play

    A) Bowen
    B) Bernardo

  21. Bathman315
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    g2g?

    Ramsdale
    Cancelo, Dalot, Robertson, Tierney
    Ramsay, Bowen, Bruno, De Bruyne (c), Gallagher
    Kane

    Subs: Emerson Royal, Broja, Dobbin

    Would you start?
    A) Gallagher
    B) Emerson Royal
    C) Broja

  22. Critical Observer
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    Why would the NOT schedule Villa-Leeds for this GW?

    1. Art Vandelay
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      I think it is more that they really didn’t want to reschedule any games during the break but, given Burnley’s situation, squeezed one in…

      1. Critical Observer
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 2 months ago

        Hmmm s'pose so... Cheers.

    2. The Senate
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      Possibly because they’re playing the reverse fixture 3 days later

    3. 1966
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      It might be because Leeds and Villa have more South American players than Burnley and Watford as there's South American world cup qualifying. Brazil for example play on the 1st of Feb.

      1. Critical Observer
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 2 months ago

        Plausible. Cheers.

        1. 1966
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 6 Years
          2 years, 2 months ago

          No problem, wish I knew for sure that they were having one because I planned to get Raph and Watkins. It'll be annoying if it's released after deadline haha.

          1. Critical Observer
            • 7 Years
            2 years, 2 months ago

            I was half-eyeing Digne and/or Couts... Might have to play it conservative and assume they won't play twice.

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

    Ronaldo > Watkins for free, yay or nay?

    1. Ricky Fantastic
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      Yay

  24. OverTinker
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    1. Ronaldo to Dennis for free (have King also)
    2. Ronaldo + Gray to Dennis + KDB for a hit

    start
    1. Foster
    2. DDG

    Please help

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

      2 1

    2. The Senate
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      Start Foster

    3. Mufc202020
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      2-1

  25. The Senate
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    Good to roll FT, or punt on Saka to Coutinho?
    Foster/Bachmann
    TAA Cancelo Tierney
    Sterling Jota Bowen Saka
    Ronaldo Dennis Antonio
    (Brownhill Dalot Davies)

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

      Villa can have a dgw. Still i feel it's best to roll

  26. Baberto
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    I still got Salah cause used FH last week.

    A - Keep him benched for this week? Captain King and hope Salah starts next week. Will
    be left with only Dawson on bench.

    B - Take a hit. Go for Kdb(C). Already got Foden. Bench Grey.

    Thank you.

    1. Alcapaul
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      A

  27. Mufc202020
    • 4 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    Captain
    A) KDB
    B) King

    1. Alcapaul
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      B

  28. thomashl
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    Was going to do Bruno –> KdB before the rumours about dgw25.
    Should I still?

    Feels like the best captain option this week (have King, not Dennis).

  29. Milk, 1 Šuker
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    KDB won't be on pens right if Sterling starts?

  30. Strchld
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    Not sure what to do with Ronaldo, Antonio first sub.

    A) Save FT, play Ronaldo (Antonio on bench)
    B) Get Dennis (awful fixtures after dgw and have King)
    C) Get Watkins

    1. Sulley
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      Exactly same thoughts for me… currently starting Ron with Antonio first sub

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

        Haha. Honestly I don't have idea what to do. Would like to save FT.