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. Dammit_182
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 8 months ago

    BB is in - ramsdale, VVD, Cancello & Weghorst. Mows your chance to be hero’s

    1. luk46
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      doesn’t look great tbf, but good luck

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

      Weghorst?

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

        Misread your comment. But otherwise a good BB.

      2. Dammit_182
        • 3 Years
        2 years, 8 months ago

        Yea. Already got 2 Southampton attackers/Jimenez so not sure who to swop him for

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

      I might join you with a BB, have you taken any hits?

  2. De Gea is GOAT
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 8 months ago

    So how does everyone feel about James' minutes after Tuchel's comments? Do we play it safe and get Silva instead? Probably my toughest decision on a WC

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

      I haven't hit the WC but if I do he's in.

      1. De Gea is GOAT
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 8 months ago

        Fair enough. Heart is saying take the risk and head is saying just to play it safe with Silva.

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

      More confident

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

    Who to Play?

    a) Foster (ARS, Wolves)
    b) Ramsdale (Wat)

    1. luk46
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      tricky, I’d actually start Ramsdale

    2. NABIL - FPL otai
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      A

  4. LIARS POKER
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 8 months ago

    Bowen to Raphinha for -4 or just play Martinelli?

    Would be benching Bowen for Martinelli otherwise

    1. NABIL - FPL otai
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      Play Gabby

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

    RIP Warnie.. absolute legend, 52 is no age.

  6. Fiona B
    • 10 Years
    2 years, 8 months ago

    Is Kulusevski less likely to play with Moura back?

  7. NABIL - FPL otai
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 8 months ago

    Who to bench?

    A. TAA (WHU)
    B. Robbo (WHU)
    C. Son (EVE)

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

      B

    2. luk46
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      that’s hard to call - bench Son because Spurs are shite

      1. NABIL - FPL otai
        • 12 Years
        2 years, 8 months ago

        Actually I'm considering this

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

    Play Raph or Willock?

    1. NABIL - FPL otai
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      Raph

    2. Stranger Mings
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      R

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

    Are Azpi & Christensen definitely out of both fixtures? If so does that make Chalobah, silva & rudiger nailed on for those two fixtures

    1. Stranger Mings
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      Silva v tempting but is he back

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

        Yes he is, he was in training yesterday

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

      Sarr might get one of them

      1. No Kane No Gain
        • 5 Years
        2 years, 8 months ago

        If he isn’t in the dog house for his hideous Luton display

  10. how now brown cow
    • 10 Years
    2 years, 8 months ago

    Is everyone on WC just ignoring city assets completely?

    Is stones going to be nailed with dias out?

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

      Ignoring tbh

    2. Stranger Mings
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      I am ignoring and may even ditch cancello

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

      Apart from cancelo, I've ignored city players all season. It has done me too much harm

    4. artvandelay316
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      No, seriously considering playing Cancelo over a DGW defender. MUN defence isn't good so IMO if he is having a good match he could rack up the points.

  11. Fuddled FC
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 8 months ago

    Which option?

    a) VVD & Willock
    b) Robbo & Fraser

    1. Stranger Mings
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      B

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

      I’m currently on B but worried about fraser mins when ASM ia back

    3. NABIL - FPL otai
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      B

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

    Appreciate some thoughts on the below WC!!

    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. footballfreak
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 8 months ago

    On a FH play one: (have coutinho, saiss and coady)
    A. Kilman
    B. Ramsey

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

      B, triple up on wolves def is extreme

    2. House Frey Wedding Planner
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      A

    3. NABIL - FPL otai
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      B

    4. footballfreak
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      was also thinking of C. Jimenez but don't rate wolves attack

  14. House Frey Wedding Planner
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 8 months ago

    Cancelo & Luiz to James/Rudiger & Ramsey worth the -4?

    Luiz would've been on my bench even with a double

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

    Prepping for WC 28 and BB 29

    White > Saiss and Jimmy > Maupay?

    Yay?
    Nay?

    feel more confident with wolves def then jimmy and i would bench maupay this gw in prep for dgw29

    1. NABIL - FPL otai
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      Could work

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

      not for me that

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

    Thoughts on this BB?

    Ramsdale, Vardy, Cancelo, Bowen

    1. artvandelay316
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      Yes I like.

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

      Hit it

  17. luk46
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 8 months ago

    what combo do you prefer?

    A - Kilman + Rüdiger
    B - Saiss + Thiago Silva

    better pick? (2x fh left)

    1 - Adams (got Broja)
    2 - Jimenez

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

      A1

  18. Gazza2000
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 8 months ago

    Semedo out for at least 4 weeks, Hoever at 3.9 anyone?

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

      Think Jonny will be preferred at RWB, fitness-permitting

    2. drughi
      • 15 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      is he going to play ?

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

    How essential is a Chelsea asset?

    Team:

    Dubravka
    TAA Digne Semedo!!!
    Salah Raphinha Coutinho Ramsey
    Kane Broja Jimenez
    (Ramsdale Saka Tierney Robertson)

    Which option:

    A. Semedo to Kilman/Coady and benchboost (no Chelsea)
    B. Semedo and Tierney to Rudiger and Amartey and bench boost (-4)
    C. Robertson to Rudiger, bench Semedo and don't bench boost.

    Thanks.

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

      B

    2. De Gea is GOAT
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      Can you not get do a straight swap to Silva? You'll be devo if CHE gets a double CS mate.

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

      A. Definitely stick with the BB

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

    Richarlison or Adams for 3rd attacking spot - have Kane and Broja

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

      Adams

  21. De Gea is GOAT
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 8 months ago

    Can't believe this is my bench this GW. Have i got it right lads? Absolute madness!

    Sar
    Robbo Rudiger James Kilman
    Salah Raphinha Coutinho
    Kane Broja Adams

    Foster Saka VVD Ramsey

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

      My bench is Ramsdale TAA Cancelo Saka atm with no bench boost....

      1. De Gea is GOAT
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 8 months ago

        Crazy stuff mate. Wish i could BB but im on WC. Thoughts on my bench?

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

          Im on WC too and my team looks like this

          Dubravka
          Digne Kilman TSilva
          Salah Raph Ramsey Willock
          Kane Jiminez Adams

          Ramsdale TAA Cancelo Saka

          Yeah your bench is fine i would maybe play Ramsey over robbo but thats about it

          1. De Gea is GOAT
            • 7 Years
            2 years, 8 months ago

            Thanks mate. I appreciate it. Nice WC team btw

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

      Would play ramsey over robbo

      1. De Gea is GOAT
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 8 months ago

        Considered that. LIV will most likely get a cs though dont you think? Plus i already have Coutinho playing. Would really hurt to see both him Ramsey blank.

  22. jonnybhoy
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 8 months ago

    Which one?

    A) Rudiger + James
    B) Cancelo + Alonso/TSilva

    1. Magic Zico
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      This week in isolation A. Longer term B with Silva.

  23. FPL ElasticO
    • 10 Years
    2 years, 8 months ago

    Will you do this transfer?

    Digne >> Saiss / Kilman

    1. Magic Zico
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      Any problem with Digne?

  24. Magic Zico
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 8 months ago

    Anyone to take -12 hits and BB here?

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

      Thought about but wildcarded instead

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

      Think about that all week

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

      -4 & BB

  25. MGD
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 8 months ago

    I can manage the doubles and blanks with -12 and get:

    GW28: 5 DGW
    GW29: 7 DGW
    GW30: 10 playing

    GW 28 Cancelo James
    GW 28 Cornet Ramsey (-4)
    GW 28 Trossard Raphinha (-8)

    Team for GW 28:

    Ramsdale
    James* - TAA - Robertson - Tierney
    Ramsey* - Raphina* - Salah - Foden
    Dennis* - Waktins*

    DDG - Bowen - Dalot - Antonio

    After that:

    GW 29 Foden Kulusevski
    GW 29 Dennis Lacazette (-4)

    GW 30 Dalot Reguilón

    Pretty well set up for FH 33 -> WC34 -> BB36

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

      So the question: Is this too weak and should I WC instead or just go for it? 🙂

  26. The 12th Man
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 8 months ago

    RIP Shane Warne.
    One of the greatest ever leg spinners cricket has ever seen.

  27. Philleunited
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 8 months ago

    Who to play in GW 28?

    A) Kane
    B) Livramento

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

      A

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

        Thats my plan as well, but Sou with two games and KWP not certain to play is taunting me 🙂

  28. TheBiffas
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 8 months ago

    Maddison yellow flagged, what's up with him?

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

      Lower back injury, should return next week

  29. zon
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 8 months ago

    Final tweaks on a WC. Definitely got some points on the bench. GTG?

    Dubravka
    James(c) Coady Livramento
    Salah Havertz Raphinha Willock Ramsey
    Kane Broja

    Ramsdale TAA Laca Cancelo

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

      Very nice picks and differentials

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

        Cheers

  30. Stranger Mings
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 8 months ago

    Please rate WC (but benchheadache)
    Sa (foster)
    Rudiger t silva kilman livra robbo
    Fraser salah havertz (son Gw29) raph Ramsey
    Kane Broja Jimi

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

      Great job. Might consider James over Rudi, maybe Raph to Saka next week? Love the Havertz/Son plan, doing same here