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. gart888
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    Posting again, sorry:

    Worth a FT to go Fernandez (Brentford keeper) to Foster and play him this week over Ramsdale?

    Pros:
    - DGW this week, against two bad teams. I rate him to outscore Ramsdale.
    - Saves me 0.4 in funds.

    Cons:
    - I'm using another FT on my backup keeper...
    - Wouldn't have 2 FT for after the IB.

    1. The FPL Units
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      Do it

    2. More Cowbell
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      Have a look at how many cleansheets watford have kept

  2. Weasel Boy
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    Tielesman to Foden for free?

    Can't afford KDB

    1. Pukki Party
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      Yes

    2. gart888
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      I think that makes sense. When Foden is starting I rate him as one of the best assets in the game.

    3. Weasel Boy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      Thanks all

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

    I want to get KDB in. Which one to transfer out?

    A) Bernardo
    B) Bruno
    C) Maddison (would result in another hit next week to get Salah back)

    1. gart888
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      Do you eventually want KDB+Salah? If so A.

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

        Yes, likely Bruno to Salah next week.

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

          Man utd likely double in 25 so it's tricky.

    2. Junglist95
      • 2 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      A

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

      A

  4. jammie26
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    ESR back on the bench against Burnley?

    1. trick9
      • 2 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      I don't think so as Partey is suspended.

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

      Likely to start

    3. jammie26
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      Thanks both

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

    Play Watkins (eve) or Bernardo (sot)??

    Thanks

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

    GTG?

    Foster
    Trent Cancelo Reguilón
    Jota Silva Bowen Raphinha (V)
    Ronaldo Antonio King (C)

    Bench: Sánchez, Mount, Coufal, Livramento

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

      Yep. Mount decent cover for Ronnie.

  7. lewis274
    • 2 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    keane-> digne
    benardo -> kdb
    ronaldo -> watkins

    for a -8?

    1. The FPL Units
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      Nah

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

    Ronaldo to Watkins for -4?

    1. Danstoke82
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      Nay not for -4 imo

  9. Ibralicious
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    Pick one please:

    A) Ronaldo —> King
    B) Mount —> Foden

    Cheers!

    1. Pukki Party
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      B

    2. Danstoke82
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      B

  10. Scratch
    • 14 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    Sell Ronaldo or Kane for Dennis?

    Would prefer to sell Ronaldo but then again his next 3 GWs are easier plus a very likely DGW25.

    1. gart888
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      I wouldn't want Ronaldo right now. I'd sell him.

    2. The FPL Units
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      R

  11. Cak Juris
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    Best Reece James replacement:
    A. Tierney
    B. Digne
    C. Lowton
    D. Semedo

    1. gart888
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      Already have 3 city slots used up?

      I'd probably go Digne of those options.

  12. tabby98
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    Bench Gray or Keane?

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

      Keane

  13. Tic Tacs
    • 4 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    Currently have my armband on Dennis, feels like the obvious pick seeing as he's got a double? I have other options like TAA, Cancelo, Tierney, Jota and Raphinha but do any of those seem like better options?

    1. The FPL Units
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      Nope

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

      TAA & Cancelo both better options IMO

  14. YoungPretender
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    Which of these?

    A) Ronaldo > King?
    B) Gray > Raphinha?

    1. The FPL Units
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      A

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

    Ronaldo to King for a hit or keep Ronaldo? Antonio is 1st sub if Ronaldo does not play.

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

      with antonio first sub definitely keep.

  16. tabby98
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    Start DDG or Sanchez?

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

    Guys is Ron definitely out?
    If so I am considering getting:

    KDB and Pedro for minus 4.

    A) Yes
    B) No

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

      Based on Rangnik's previous pressers I'd say he's prob out

  18. TheYogaDaddy
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    Antonio to Dennis for a hit?

    1. Danstoke82
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      If you own Bowen as well then yes

  19. HashAttack
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    Bench DCL? - Needs to be one out of DCL, Saka or Bowen

    Front 7 will be King, Dennis, KDB, Jota, Raphinha plus 2 of the above

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

      Seems like the right thing to do, yeah.

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

        DCL benched, all day long

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

        Thanks

  20. Danstoke82
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    Steele > Foster -4 (bench DDG)

    Yay or Nay?

    1. The FPL Units
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      Nay

      1. Danstoke82
        • 9 Years
        2 years, 2 months ago

        Thanks!

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

      Naw

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

    Need your advice, mates

    1 FT
    Best move?
    Antonio to Dennis(C) and bench Keane?

    Fab
    TAA Rudiger Keane Cancelo
    Mount Bernardo Gray Bowen Saka
    Ronaldo

    Steer Antonio, Livra, Scarlett

    1. alfast1c
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      Are u sure for Gray over Antonio ?

    2. The FPL Units
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      I would get rid of CR7

  22. alfast1c
    • 13 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    Bench one:
    Bowen
    Antonio
    Gray

    Captain one:
    DeBruyne
    Dennis

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

    Ronaldo, Mount > Watkins, KDB -4?

  24. CheesyZoot
    • 4 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    Have villa had a double announced?

    Bit out of the loop sorry!

    1. Pukki Party
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      No

    2. Gubby-Allen
      • 2 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      No. Very unlikely until GW25.

  25. RamboRN
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    Foster
    TAA regulion cancelo
    Maddison foden bowen jota
    Ronaldo kane dennis

    Subs ddg dalot, martinelli, livra
    1ft. Ronaldo to watkins/King or roll?

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

    MUN training video from today if helpful:
    https://twitter.com/ManUtd/status/1484577782923366406

    Ronaldo hurt his neck after this maybe? lol

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

      He's wearing a neck brace in the video.

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

      so seems like hes fit

  27. Peekay
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    Captain Dennis or king?

    1. The FPL Units
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      D

  28. BremerHB
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    Bench one:

    A) Ronaldo
    B) Antonio

    1. g40steve
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      Sell if that’s the case?

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

        No idea who for. Might just make that decision next week as part of getting Salah back in.

  29. Oooo Matron
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    Best captain?

    A) Sterling
    B) King
    C) Dennis

  30. FPLtfs
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    Joao Pedro punt instead of Dennis? Anyone?

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

      It's the EO that's the worry, especially over a DGW ...otherwise I would be tempted