Team News

FPL team news: Gameweek 28 injury updates on Dias, Maddison, James and more

We continue our coverage of the pre-Gameweek 28 press conferences, with headline injury updates from all Premier League managers whose teams are in action this weekend.

Our Thursday round-up brought updates from Burnley, Brighton and Hove Albion, Leeds United and Southampton.

For much more detailed information, check out our Predicted Line-ups page and Injuries and Bans feed.

For other help and advice from our weekly Scout Picks to team reveals, head to our complete Gameweek 28 guide here.

CHELSEA

Those looking into purchasing one or potentially two Chelsea defenders for Double Gameweek 28 will be pleased to hear Thomas Tuchel’s latest comment on Reece James. After previously saying that the wing-back played too many minutes in the EFL Cup final, James is now fine to play and should start in place of the unavailable Cesar Azpilicueta (knock).

Fellow defenders Thiago Silva and Trevoh Chalobah have both recovered from minor issues, whilst in-form midfielder Hakim Ziyech (Achilles) is also back in training. There is doubt over Andreas Christensen (Achilles). Ben Chilwell‘s season is still over after knee surgery.

“Azpi [Azpilicueta] was not in training yesterday so this will be a bit too close unfortunately for him. Reece James was training yesterday, so far no problems, no reactions after his two matches. Hakim [Ziyech] was in training, seemed good, so hopefully, he can come back. The guys who were not with us at Luton because of minor injuries, like Trevoh [Chalobah], like Thiago Silva, were back in training yesterday and seemed fine, good to go.” – Thomas Tuchel

MANCHESTER CITY

Pep Guardiola has ruled out defenders Ruben Dias (hamstring) and Nathan Ake (knock) for the Manchester derby, with Dias potentially out for four-to-six weeks. Zack Steffen (back) and Cole Palmer (muscle) are still unavailable.

“Nathan [Ake] and Ruben [Dias] are not available for Sunday.” – Pep Guardiola

MANCHESTER UNITED

In the red half of Manchester, Ralf Rangnick should be able to welcome Edinson Cavani (groin) and Scott McTominay (illness) back into proceedings. Mason Greenwood (other) is still out of action.

“He is back in training since yesterday, today was his second training session with the team. It looks good. I think he could at least be part of the group for Sunday.” – Ralf Rangnick on Edinson Cavani

LIVERPOOL

Joel Matip has a non-Covid illness that keeps him out of the match against West Ham United, with Thiago (thigh) and Roberto Firmino (muscle) also not taking part. Additionally, there are doubts over Curtis Jones (thigh) and Naby Keita (knock).

“Strength and depth is really important, but we have some [players] who aren’t available. Thiago will not be available. Curtis [Jones] is not bad, but good enough for tomorrow? We will see! Matip is ill, not COVID-19, and he will not be available. Bobby [Firmino] is looking good but not good enough for the weekend. I think the plan is that he trains on Sunday, first time full.” – Jurgen Klopp

NEWCASTLE UNITED

Eddie Howe still hasn’t decided whether Allan Saint-Maximin (knock) is ready to return, with the forward expected to take part in training today before a final judgement is made. Kieran Trippier (foot) and Callum Wilson (calf) remain out for a while but Matt Ritchie (knee) will return to proceedings next week.

“Maxi [Saint-Maximin] hasn’t trained yet with us, we’re hoping he does today. We’ll have to make a decision based on how he looks and how his injury status is after that training session. [Otherwise] I think we’re as we were, pre-Brentford.” – Eddie Howe

TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR

Rodrigo Bentancur (ankle) and Lucas Moura (dead leg) are back from the injuries that kept them out against Leeds but there is still no Japhet Tanganga (knee) or Oliver Skipp (groin) for the visit of Everton.

WEST HAM UNITED

David Moyes has a few injury concerns, such as Tomas Soucek needing stitches in his head after a challenge from Southampton’s Ibrahima Diallo. Right-back Vladimir Coufal will be out for a few weeks having underwent successful surgery on a hernia, whilst Angelo Ogbonna (knee) remains out for the foreseeable.

Aaron Cresswell (knock) is fine to face Liverpool and there have been signs of improvement from full-backs Ryan Fredericks (groin) and Arthur Masuaku (knee). However, Mark Noble has a knock and Ukraine international Andriy Yarmolenko has been given more time off to be with his family during these difficult times.

“Like everybody, we’ve got a few injuries, but we’ve also got some players coming back. Fredericks is doing better and so is [Masuaku]. We’ve got a concern about Soucek because of the stitches in his head, but we’re probably no different from any other club.” – David Moyes

EVERTON

There is hope that Dominic Calvert-Lewin will play against Spurs in the Monday night game after a recent groin issue and Frank Lampard should finally be able to call upon Demarai Gray. The winger made a 13-minute cameo against Manchester City but missed Thursday’s FA Cup match because of a fever.

Ben Godfrey (hamstring) and Andre Gomes (thigh) are almost back, with Vitalii Mykolenko‘s dead leg against Boreham Wood not thought to be a problem. There is still no Yerry Mina (thigh), Fabian Delph (thigh) or Tom Davies (thigh) for the Toffees.

“I’m hopeful. He’s going to train with us tomorrow. Hopefully, he integrates with the squad tomorrow and then we’ll see how he is for Monday. Demarai Gray had a bit of a fever going into the game against Boreham Wood when he was due to play, so we missed him – we’ve missed Demarai pretty much since I’ve been in.” – Frank Lampard on Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Demarai Gray

NORWICH CITY

Tim Krul has recovered from a shoulder injury and is pushing to regain his place in goal from Angus Gunn. There is also a shoulder problem for Ozan Kabak but Max Aarons (knock) and Brandon Williams (knock) have both been declared fit to face Brentford. The Canaries’ main absentees are Adam Idah (knee) and Andrew Omobamidele (back).

“He went to see a specialist and they’ve put him in a corset, they’re a little bit worried about it. He won’t be around for at least another two to three weeks. He’s a lad with lots of potential and it probably still growing.” – Dean Smith on Andrew Omobamidele

LEICESTER CITY

Following the good news of Jamie Vardy‘s successful midweek return at Burnley, it has been revealed that James Maddison is a doubt to face Leeds on Saturday lunchtime because of a lower back problem. Ricardo Pereira (hamstring) is also touch-and-go.

Meanwhile, Timothy Castagne (thigh), Jonny Evans (hamstring), Wesley Fofana (ankle) and Ryan Bertrand (knee) are still out, plus James Justin is unlikely because of a minor muscle injury.

“They are still being monitored, with Maddison certainly available next week, if not tomorrow.” – Brendan Rodgers

WATFORD

Ismaila Sarr was seen getting hamstring treatment at full-time during the 0-0 at Manchester United and he is sidelined for this weekend. Kiko Femenia (knock) is back in contention after missing the trip to Old Trafford and Nicolas Nkoulou (hamstring) is nearing a return to full training.

ASTON VILLA

Bertrand Traore could be back from the hamstring injury that has kept him out for the past month, although Carney Chukwuemeka (knock) will miss the first half of Villa’s Double Gameweek 28. Steven Gerrard also confirmed that Marvelous Nakamba (knee) could return in early April, after the international break.

“Bertrand [Traore] joined the group in full training for the first time yesterday, so he’s got two days under his belt now with no issues. We’ll make a decision later today whether he comes back into the squad. Carney Chukwuemeka will miss the weekend. He’s got an outside chance of being involved against Leeds.”

ARSENAL

No news is good news for Mikel Arteta, as defender Takehiro Tomiyasu is the only doubt because of a calf problem. Emile Smith Rowe missed the Gameweek 26 win over Wolves with illness but is back in Arteta’s plans.

“Same place as last week. We still have the doubt with Tomiyasu, the rest I think they’re all there.”

CRYSTAL PALACE

Also nothing of note from the Eagles, where Joel Ward (groin) is still unavailable for the weekend and Nathan Ferguson (hamstring) remains out for the next month.

WOLVERHAMPTON WANDERERS

For Bruno Lage, it’s just the hamstring injury that will rule out Nelson Semedo for at least a month, possibly two. Everyone else is fine.

BRENTFORD

Last week’s defeat against Newcastle saw Christian Eriksen make his return to football with a cameo, alongside an appearance from fully-fit striker Ivan Toney. However, Josh Dasilva‘s red card has brought a three-match suspension.

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

923 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Nomar
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    2 years, 8 months ago

    Jorginho.

    Because you just know a Chelsea pen is coming this DGW.

  2. NotsoSpursy
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 8 months ago

    Earlier in the week the consensus here was Havertz over Mount on a WC. I'm now seeing more teams with Mount :-/

    What do you reckon??

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

      See above.

    2. BECKS TO THE FUTURE
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 2 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      Haha am equally torn. I'm also seeing a "Mount long-term vs Havertz this week" distinction emerging. I think I'm going to get in Mount as I plan to have him through to when I WC33/4.

    3. The Mentaculus
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      Havertz form & rest v Luton, compared to Mount just returning from injury & playing Liv & Luton, sway it for Haverz for me short-term

    4. NotsoSpursy
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      Thanks all

  3. b91jh
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 8 months ago

    Captain who?

    A) James
    B) Raph
    C) Coutinho
    D) Broja

    1. jones711
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      No great choices but if forced then in order C/ B/ A/ D/

    2. Nomar
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      B

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

      I’d like the answer to this! Not C

    4. DycheDycheBaby
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      A or D

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

    Best pick this week?

    A. Raphinha (-4)
    B. Bowen
    C. Martinelli
    D. Tierney

    1. Jässi
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      A

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

        Second hit so be on -8 if that matters

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

          Yikes.

          Tierney then.

    2. Nomar
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      A

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

        Second hit so be on -8 if that matters

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

          D then.

    3. DycheDycheBaby
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      D

    4. manu4life99
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      A or D

  5. jcr1997
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 8 months ago

    Guiata (Wolves away) or Sanchez (Newcastle away)?

    1. DycheDycheBaby
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      Guiata, just.

  6. Catastrophe
    • 13 Years
    2 years, 8 months ago

    Advice greatly appreciated! No FH/WC left, 1.1 ITB.

    Foster*
    Digne*, Saiss*, TAA, Cancelo, Robertson
    Salah, Bowen
    Watkins*, Dennis*, Broja*

    (DDG, Bowen, Saka, Fernandes)

    Really stuck as probably only Fernandes, Cancelo (!) And maybe Saka I'd want to transfer out.

    Thinking Cancelo & Fernandes -> Rudiger & Havertz? Then Kane in for Watkins next week.

    Cheers.

    1. Riders of Yohan
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      Keep Saka! Can you stretch to James?

      1. Catastrophe
        • 13 Years
        2 years, 8 months ago

        Cheers. I can yeah, but isn't Rudiger safer?

        1. Riders of Yohan
          • 6 Years
          2 years, 8 months ago

          Safer maybe but ceiling for James is much higher

      2. McSlu
        • 8 Years
        2 years, 8 months ago

        Yes, keep Saka. You want hin for the double in GW29. Maybe Mount instead of Havertz and James instead of Rudi?

  7. pundit of punts
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 8 months ago

    FMFHT

    more or less settled on this now. Thoughts please? 🙂

    Sa
    James - Rudiger - Alonso - Saiss
    Salah - Raphinha - Coutinho
    Jimenez - Adams - Watkins

    1. Oooo Matron
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      Looks good for this week

    2. jones711
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      Nice team. I'd probably take Schar over Alonso and Wood over Jimi if you want to carry forward doublers into GW29

      1. pundit of punts
        • 11 Years
        2 years, 8 months ago

        This is a FH team

  8. Jässi
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 8 months ago

    Bought Cancelo for 6.1 million. Is it better to keep him (and even bench for some DGWs when City plays a SGW) or swap for either Rudiger or James? And then perhaps buy back for GW36 or so, if money allows it...

    1. Oooo Matron
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      I'd keep tbh - remember when we benched him v Utd last time

    2. Pep's Money Laundry
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      I'm on wc, I'm swapping for a wolves or arsenal defender. City only have only two fixtures over next 3 weeks whilst the other 2 have 4 fixtures. Even Chelsea defender is more appealing
      I'll buy cancelo back or get laporte when Dias returns

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

      I swapped him for James. Will look to get back after 30 I reckon

  9. Oooo Matron
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 8 months ago

    Is Bruno to Son & benching Foden worth a hit?

    Current team:
    Foster
    TAA Cancelo Tierney Van Dijk
    Salah (C) Saka Foden
    Watkins Dennis Broja

    Subs: Ramsdale, Bruno, Bowen Guehi

  10. el polako
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 8 months ago

    Just listened to latest fpl Wire podcast, episode was sponsored by word "bullish".

  11. The Mighty Whites
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 8 months ago

    1 - Bench one of TAA - Cancelo - White - Saka - Douglas Luiz - Dennis

    2 - Captain: Coady - Salah - Raphinha - Wood

    1. Oooo Matron
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      Douglas Luiz - easy decision

      Captain Salah as usual

  12. Riders of Yohan
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 8 months ago

    Thoughts on this WC?!

    Rams - Dubravka
    TAA - Robbo - James - Rudi - Tierney
    Salah - Raph - Saka - Fraser - Ramsey
    Kane - Adams - Broja

    Gives 8 dgws this week and 9 next with the FT.

    Planning on FH in 30

  13. DA Minnion (Former great)
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 8 months ago

    Good day all.
    I've already got Coady Watkins Dennis and Raphinia with doubles.Looking for two more for a hit. Who else has the most upside that has a double.cheers

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

      Coutinho, Adams, Jimenez?

    2. jones711
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      Probably Sa, but if not keeper then perhaps Ramsey/Coutinho/Ward-Prowse

  14. GE
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 8 months ago

    1) Dias and Reguilon -> Rudiger and James (-4)
    2) Dias -> James (play Bowen)
    3) Dias and Bowen -> James and Cout/Havertz/Mount (-4)

  15. amcgilp
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 8 months ago

    Dias out for 4-6 weeks with hammy according to Pep

    1. GE
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      Helping the people don’t read this article 😉

  16. VAR United
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 8 months ago

    Need some help here chaps.

    1 mid space left who would you pick?

    a) Mount
    b) Coutinho
    c) Ziyech

    It'll be for one week only then gets moved on.

  17. manu4life99
    • 14 Years
    2 years, 8 months ago

    Is it madness to keep Reguilion (I can bench him gw28 and 29) to avoid needing a 4pt hit to field XI in bgw30?

    1. El Presidente
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      Not at all Manuel

    2. The Mentaculus
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      I would sell. Far from a guaranteed starter at any time

  18. Mufc202020
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 8 months ago

    Rate FH team:

    Sa
    Alonso James Rud Saiss
    Willock Raph Coutinho
    Adams Vardy Jiminez

  19. miccrow
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 8 months ago

    Team

    Ramsdale

    TAA Cancelo Digne Coady
    Coutinho KDB Salah
    Jimenez Dennis Broja

    Bench Jota, White, Bowen

    Main decision - Jota or Dennis to start? Or play both and drop someone else?

    Would be interested in thoguths please?

  20. Lignja
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 8 months ago

    Bb team, not super happy with Pukki but i gues it cant be much worse than King... Anyway how do you like my team? On -4 atm

    Dubravka
    Taa, Cancelo, James, Digne
    Salah, Son, Coutinho, Raphina
    Broja, Jimenez

    Sa, Coady, Saka, Pukki

  21. Kodap
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 8 months ago

    Bottomed:

    Am I setup okay for this week once I make my planned moves of Dalot & Bowen > James & Raph. (i'm half tempted with a BB)

    Ramsdale
    Taa - Cancelo - Robbo - James (c)
    Salah - Son - Coutinho - JWP - Raphina
    Broja

    DDG - Weghourst - Ait Nouri - Maupay

  22. Dynamic Duos
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 8 months ago

    Play Cash or Targett?

    1. Pompel
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      Cash would be my Targett

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

      Cash

  23. DandyDon
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 8 months ago

    Anyone know why Everton's wk 33 fixture has gone? Would be cup semis i guess but only at quarter stage!

    1. DandyDon
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      its their game against Palace. Palace will have two games in hand and a tasty run in on paper after 33 (although likely little to play for).

    2. Sulley
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      Game was versus Palace who they play in quarters so one will def advance

    3. DandyDon
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      its because they are playing each other in the quarters so one must go through. Damn. Putting Everton players in my WC team seems a bad idea now!

  24. The Parrot
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 8 months ago

    Who scores more this GW

    1) James + Saka (-4)
    2) Saiss + Cancelo

  25. JAYPEE
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 8 months ago

    Should I use my WC on this team:

    Ramsdale De Gea
    TAA Cancelo Digne Rudiger Kilman
    Salah Raphinha Saka Bowen Foden
    Dennis Broja Weghorst

    1. Warby84
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      No way

    2. Warby84
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      Is this your current team?

    3. CheesyZoot
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      Nope

    4. DycheDycheBaby
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      No I think that team is OK.

  26. Warby84
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 8 months ago

    Sa Ramsdale
    Thiago Digne Rudiger (c) Trent Robbo
    (Maddison) Son (Bowen) Coutinho Salah
    (Weghorst) Dennis Broja

    Bench boost gtg?

    1. Louis99
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      I'm wondering if you'd get a better chance if you waited - Bowen and Weg fixtures are far from ideal

      1. Warby84
        • 9 Years
        2 years, 8 months ago

        I could do it next week instead..

      2. Warby84
        • 9 Years
        2 years, 8 months ago

        Maddison and Ramsdale should do well

  27. CheesyZoot
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 8 months ago

    Going Rudiger and James… tempted to captain James but is that just overkill?

    Stick with raphinha as captain instead?

    1. Louis99
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      I think I'd rather James captain over Raph, even if you have a Chelsea double

    2. Warby84
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      I Captain Rudiger as I’m sure he’ll get 180m, he has a goal in him too

    3. DycheDycheBaby
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      I would rather captain James than Raph.

  28. Louis99
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 8 months ago

    Would appreciate thoughts on this WC! FH in GW30 so no issue there.

    Already played BB as well, so the 4.4 isn't a real problem.

    Sa - Foster
    TAA - Robbo - Cancelo - James - Kilman
    Salah - Son - Coutinho - Raph - Saka
    Jimi - Broja - 4.4

    Will probably have to bench Saka and Cancelo this GW, regretfully.

    Thanks!

  29. Kane Train
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 8 months ago

    Which one?

    A) Forster
    B) Dubravka

    1. CheesyZoot
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      B

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

      B

    3. CherryBoys
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      Easy B

  30. ManTree(v2!) or just JAY!
    • 13 Years
    2 years, 8 months ago

    Would you bench boost this bench:

    Ramsdale, Cancelo, Weghorst, Tierney

    1. Warby84
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      Yep

    2. Kane Train
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      Yeah