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. Silecro
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 8 months ago

    GW9 - 13pts
    GW10 - 21pts
    GW11 - 7 pts
    GW12 - 12 pts

    Christ, this must be some of the most brutal defender returns i've seen in a while. Seriously considering capping James. Think Im doing it

    1. Nate(U)dog(ie)
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      Did you check his points for the 8-9 weeks after that?

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

        Timing is everything.

        He plays the same 3 teams he hauled those massive points again though...

      2. Sun God Nika
        • 4 Years
        2 years, 8 months ago

        🙂

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

    ...DGW EXPERTS...

    Talk of GW 33 and 36 being monster DGWs. Is this the case?
    If so, are they going to be so big that by default everyone's squads will be full of dgw players?

    If that's the case I'm thinking I'll wildcard this week in view of the marginal gains available this DGW and next, as opposed to saving it for 33 and 36 when... everyone already has 11 DGW players.

    Thanks!!!

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

      I think 33 a lot of blanks go into midweek so most people won't have an issue with the blanks.

      My plan is FH 33 and BB 36

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

      I'm currently on wc28, BB29, fh33, fh36. I'm hoping this gives me more overall gains then doing wc35 & bb36

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

      You can prepare well before those gameweeks arrive. I'm on WC28, FH33, BB36.

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

    Play Kilman instead of a. Trent or b. Cancelo or c. Go take some paracetemol for the double game week fever

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

      😆

      I personally like DGW players. I binned Cancelo on W/C and was playing Digne ahead of benched Trent until I sold the former for Tierney who has 2 games in GW29 and home to Villa in 30.

    2. CostaCoffee
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      B

  4. Nate(U)dog(ie)
    • 4 Years
    2 years, 8 months ago

    Any chance any training pics of Southampton?

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

    7.6 ITB, bringing Kane in for Dennis next week, would you make any more transfers this week for a -4?

    Ramsdale (Bachmann)
    TAA - Cancelo - Coady - White - Liv
    Salah - Raph - Saka (Bowen - Douglas Luiz)
    Wood - Dennis (Antonio)

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

    BB team all set. Thoughts?

    Dubravka
    TAA James Saiss Digne
    Raph Salah Ramsey Coutinho
    Broja Jimenez

    Ramsdale Son Laca Tierney

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

      Looks really good. I'd rather BB my DGW players, but for single GW players that looks top notch!

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

    Is this worth a BB?

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

    DDG - Weghourst - Ait Nouri - Maupay

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

      No

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

      I’d do those moves

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

        Cheers

  9. CostaCoffee
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 8 months ago

    Richarlison or DCL for GW29?

    1. Hy liverpool
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      Richarlison

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

      Rich

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

    James or Rudiger captain?

    Even as a Chelsea fan I can’t believe it might come to this

    1. CostaCoffee
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      James

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

      James.

      1. Chilli Heatwave
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        2 years, 8 months ago

        (Excuse my lack of awareness haven’t had time to read articles) is he nailed to start?

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

          Tuchel says he's reacted fine and Azpi is out. He's nailed to start at least one. And I think he'll likely start both in GW28, rest GW29, start UCL vs Lille.

          He's not 'nailed' like Rudiger is, but the upside makes him worth it imo.

          1. Chilli Heatwave
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 6 Years
            2 years, 8 months ago

            Thanks, much appreciated.

  11. Hansel
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    2 years, 8 months ago

    A) Robertson + Jimenez
    B) Robertson + Watkins
    C) James + Lacazette

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

      James + Jimi?

    2. CostaCoffee
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      James and Jimnez

  12. Chilli Heatwave
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 8 months ago

    Dias-> Chelsea defender

    Or

    Bruno -> Mount (or any Chelsea mid)

    Cheers!

    1. CostaCoffee
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      A easily

      1. Chilli Heatwave
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        2 years, 8 months ago

        To which defender?

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

      Both are sells for me

      1. Chilli Heatwave
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        2 years, 8 months ago

        1ft, worth a -4?

    3. Robson-Canoe
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      A to Rüdiger

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

    Bowen to Raphinha to hit a -16?

    1. Robson-Canoe
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      I'd do that move for -4 yes

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

      -16, what the...

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

        Ait Nouri Cancelo Mahrez Sondergaard Bowen

        To

        Rudiger (c) Thiago Maddison Ramsdale Raphinha

        Bench boost

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

          Maddison a doubt v Leeds

  14. Robson-Canoe
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 8 months ago

    Hello fellas, would you pick Watkins or Jimenez on WC?

    This is the rest of my team (planning BB in 29):
    Ramsdale (Gunn)
    Robertson Rüdiger T.Silva (Schär Holgate)
    Salah Son Coutinho Willock (Gordon)
    Kane Broja Jimenez/Watkins

    Any thoughts?
    Cheers.

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

      Jimenez

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

    So is it James time ?

    1. Chilli Heatwave
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      Is he nailed?

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

        That’s the sub context of my question yeah

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

      It’s a yes from me. I have a bigger problem with which to put in between Mount/Ziyech/Havertz.

  16. mcsteely
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 15 Years
    2 years, 8 months ago

    Thoughts on this wildcard draft?

    Ramsdale, Foster
    Trent, Cancelo, James, Doherty, Livra
    Salah, Saka, Coutinho, Rap, Willock
    Kane, Broja, Jiminez

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

      Not sure why you want a spurs defender and I'm not keen on coutinho, other then that it looks good

    2. SamShi
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      Spurs defender to Wolves defender. Looks good otherwise.

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

      JWP for this week then Saka for 29 on.

  17. Atimis
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 8 months ago

    Hit the WC?

    Ramsdale/Foster
    TAA/Cancelo/VVD/Laporte/Duffy
    Salah/Saka/Bowen/Martineli/Ramsey
    CR7/Edouard/Dennis

  18. Stimps
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 8 months ago

    Mendy or Sa?

    Have James, Ait-Nouri

  19. Arteta
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 8 months ago

    Is any of you downgrading Alexander-Arnold to Robertson?

    1. Robson-Canoe
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      Considering it

    2. Chilli Heatwave
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      Walked that road before, still get tempted

  20. ran
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 8 months ago

    Planning to use a FH. Will these transfers be good?

    De Gea > Sa
    Reguilon > Saiss
    Livramento > James
    Gallagher > JWP
    Saka > Mount
    Bowen > Coutinho
    Weghorst > Jimenez

    1. JoeSoap
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      Yip

  21. Wild Rover
    • 14 Years
    2 years, 8 months ago

    Shane Warne has died of a heart attack, only 52 😯

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

      Just seen this too.
      Shocking

    2. Old Man
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      Bloody hell! First Marsh and now Warne.

  22. DARK SIDE OF THE LOON
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 8 months ago

    Does Amartey + Edouard + Weghorst to James + Broja + Hwang for -8 make sense?

  23. Jam0sh
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 8 months ago

    Would you keep TAA on free hit this week over Jimenez?

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

      Yup

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

    Lost on last page

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

    1. JoeSoap
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      1 or 3. Depends on your plans for GW30

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

        Thanks, not sure.
        Have 10 players for GW30 when I include Reguilon so tempted to save the FH, but not sure

        1. JoeSoap
          • 11 Years
          2 years, 8 months ago

          3 more than I have and I don't intend to FH though I will have 2 FTs by then if I want them. Maybe Leicester players.

  25. 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 thougths please?

    1. JoeSoap
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      Leave as it is

  26. JoeSoap
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 8 months ago

    WC (A) team or current team (B)? (Have 1FH & BB)

    GW28
    A. RUDIGER/RAMSEY/BROJA/Kane/JIMMY
    B. DIGNE/Saka/DENNIS/WATKINS/ADAMS (-4)

    GW29
    A. Rudiger/WHITE/KANE//KULU/Broja (Have 1FT)
    B. Livra/SON/Dennis/Watkins/Adams

    GW30 Both have 7

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

    Mount or Haverts?

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

      H

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

        Is he nailed on ?

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

          Should be. Rested in week

    2. Wenger's Puffer Jacket
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      I don't understand why everyone's obsessed with getting Havertz in suddenly. He barely plays, and when he does he has an average 3.1pt per match.

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

    (Not on FH)

    James or Rudiger?

    And captain them or Havertz?

    Cheers

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

      James , not sure who to(c)

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

        Cheers

  29. mr. inconspicuous
    • 15 Years
    2 years, 8 months ago

    Do you think I need do play my wildcard or hold off for now?I’ve managed this team with a -4

    Foster
    TAA Rudiger Cancelo Livramento
    Salah, Raphinha, Coutinho
    Jiminez, Broja, Dennis

    Ramsdale, Saka, Dalot, Bowen

    1. mcflyjohn
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      Looks fine without WC to me

    2. Michelle Davin
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      Thats a easy hold

  30. mcflyjohn
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 8 months ago

    Current team:

    Ramsdale

    TAA | Cancelo | Coady | Tierney | (Dalot)

    Salah | Saka | Bowen | Jota | (Bruno)

    Dennis | Edouard (Idah)

    Dont think I need to WC just yet.

    A) Thinking of either taking a -4 to do:

    Bruno + Dalot >> Rudi & a mid - choice out of Couthino OR Mount?

    B) Or a -8 for

    Bruno + Dalot + Bowen/Jota >>> Rudi, Couthino & Mount

    What would you do?