There are a whopping 16 pre-match press conferences taking place today – and we’ve got the key Fantasy Premier League (FPL) team news for Gameweek 9 here.
This is a ‘live’ article and will be updated as and when the pressers are staged on Friday. Make sure to hit refresh for the latest injury updates.
The managers of Sheffield United, Everton, Burnley and Nottingham Forest all faced the media on Thursday, with the headlines from those press conferences also to be found below.
GAMEWEEK 9 TEAM NEWS: INJURY UPDATES
- Arsenal: Saka, Saliba + Trossard to be assessed, Arteta on penalties
- Tottenham Hotspur: No concerns over Son + Romero
- Liverpool: Robertson faces surgery, out for “a while”
- Newcastle United: Botman “improving”, Isak yet to train, Tonali available
- Manchester City: Rodri back from a ban, no fresh injury worries
- Manchester United: Varane + Reguilon return, Casemiro out
- Chelsea: James, Jackson + Disasi to be assessed, Broja out, Gusto returns
- Brighton and Hove Albion: Estupinan + Lamptey out
- Brentford: Flekken returns, Mee close to a comeback
- Aston Villa: Moreno + Ramsey not yet ready
- Crystal Palace: Franca set for Palace debut but Eze + Olise remain out
- West Ham United: Moyes unsure over Johnson + Cresswell
- Bournemouth: Billing fit, Kelly back in training
- Luton Town: Andersen out for months, Osho nearing a comeback
- Wolverhampton Wanderers: ‘A couple of issues’, Semedo + Lemina banned
- Fulham: Four out, no new worries
- Everton: No new concerns, Coleman back in training
- Sheffield United: Baldock + Osborn closing in on returns
- Nottingham Forest: Montiel the latest concern, Awoniyi still out
- Burnley: Beyer out, Al-Dakhil’s issue not serious
FRIDAY’S PRESS CONFERENCE TIMES
ARSENAL
To the surprise of absolutely no-one, Mikel Arteta gave little away about the availability of Bukayo Saka (hamstring), William Saliba (toe) and Leandro Trossard (hamstring).
Judgements on whether they will be fit to face Chelsea will be made after training today.
“Not a lot [to update you on]. We haven’t had a lot of players, it’s the first training we’ll have today. We’ll know more after the session.” – Mikel Arteta on his team news
There were plenty of other comments from the Arsenal boss on Saliba and Saka in particular.
“He’s been working so hard to be fit for this game. Let’s see where he is at today.
“He had a couple of days off, that he needed as well, but the rest unfortunately has not been rest for him because he needed to do the treatment and train and get ready to be available against Chelsea.
“I’m sure he wants to play, yes. I don’t see any player there who doesn’t want to be in the starting XI!” – Mikel Arteta on Bukayo Saka
“It is our responsibility to monitor [our players] but as well it is also in relation to the days off that they get. The way we train, can we take certain parts of training out? It’s not only about the minutes when they are on the field because sometimes we want to rest them there but we ask them to be out on the [training] field for three hours, which isn’t doing them a big favour! There is some balance there but at the end, when you want to be a top, top player, you have to be able to play every three days and play 65 to 70 games. It is what it is.
“I think we have to play him when we see he is in the right condition to play – mentally, physically and that he’s performing. He needs to deserve to play, and that’s another story, but so far when he’s played that amount of minutes and games, it’s because we believed he was ready to cope with that.” – More from Mikel Arteta on Bukayo Saka
“Hopefully [Saliba’s recurring issue won’t continue to plague him], but obviously he’s been carrying that for weeks now and we have to use that time to settle. We believe that it was the best moment to do it.
“[His availability will be] depending again on how he is able to train today.” – Mikel Arteta on William Saliba
“Obviously, we had injuries, and we had the availability that we have, we missed other players as well in midfield that are very, very important, but I’m sure we’ll get them back. It’s about being able to win and continue to perform in the right way [even] when those players aren’t there and now, we’re going to have the opportunity to see them, I’m sure.” – Mikel Arteta on how excited he is to see Messrs Martinelli, Saka and Jesus back on the pitch together
“I do have the idea but I have to see them all together today [to see] how everybody us, because we have had a lot of people travelling around the world with a lot of minutes in their legs.” – Mikel Arteta, when asked if he knew what his team would be for the Chelsea game
Jurrien Timber (knee) remains out.
There was an interesting quote from Arteta on Arsenal’s penalty-taking pecking order, with the Gunners’ head coach confirming that Saka’s standing as first-choice taker has been replaced by a collective on-field decision.
“Well, there is one but then they’ve surprised me this season! I don’t really know who is going to take it. And sometimes, when I see someone is on the ball, I’m still doubting [whether they will actually take it or pass the ball to someone else]. They have the freedom to do it, they practise a lot, and it’s what they decide on the day is the best thing to do.
“It’s a very particular moment and is very related to game-state and what you’ve been doing, how you’re feeling emotionally and confidence wise. I don’t like to get too involved in that. There is some preparation, there are certain players who, if they’re in contention to take the penalty, the practise has to be there – that’s the only thing I demand them to do. After that, it’s their decision.” – Mikel Arteta on whether Arsenal have a penalty-taking pecking order
TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR
There was positive news reported by Ange Postecoglou in Friday’s press conference, with Cristian Romero and Son Heung-min – who were playing through the pain barrier for their national teams – seemingly passed fit.
“Everyone is kind of back, the medical reports all seem to be good. No real issues for the guys from a fitness perspective.” – Ange Postecoglou
There’ll be a late call on Brennan Johnson (hamstring) ahead of the visit of Fulham, while the match will likely come too soon for long-term absentee Rodrigo Bentancur (knee) despite his return to training.
Manor Solomon (knee), Ivan Perisic (knee) and Ryan Sessegnon (hamstring) remain out.
LIVERPOOL
Andrew Robertson faces surgery on the shoulder injury he picked up while playing for Scotland last week, with Jurgen Klopp ruling him out for “a while”.
“The decision we go towards is surgery. There was a little chance that we could try without but, after talking to pretty much all [the] experts, it looks like surgery will be the best thing, especially in the long term. That means he’s out for a while. I don’t know exactly how long.” – Jurgen Klopp on Andrew Robertson
Kostas Tsimikas looks set for a game-time boost, then, but Klopp was keen to point out that the Greece international can’t start every match while Robertson is out.
“Thank God it’s not only Kostas we have for that [position] because otherwise for the amount of games we have, we’d already be a bit short. Joe Gomez can play the position, we have Luke Chambers and other young boys who show up in training quite frequently.
“You need options, that’s clear, and Kostas is definitely the most experienced in that position, so that’s good – but he cannot play all the games from now on, so we need other options as well.” – Jurgen Klopp
Cody Gakpo (knee) has only had one training session with his team-mates, so will be assessed for the Merseyside derby.
Curtis Jones is suspended this weekend, while Ben Doak (muscle) has joined Stefan Bajcetic (calf) and Thiago Alcantara (hip) on the injury list.
Diogo Jota is back from a ban.
Klopp also discussed his late returnees from South America ahead of the Saturday lunchtime kick-off, saying that the Reds were better prepared than what they were ahead of Gameweek 5.
“We booked better flights, brought them all together. Picked them up from wherever they played, so they didn’t have to take the commercial flights from here to there which is obviously pretty tiring after 100 minutes of football. They leave you at an airport and then you have to make sure you get your connecting flight, stuff like this. We are pretty good at that usually… and this time it was much better, so the boys were pretty quickly after the game on a plane and could fly straight to England. That makes a massive difference.” – Jurgen Klopp
NEWCASTLE UNITED
Harvey Barnes (toe) and Joe Willock (Achilles) are the only Newcastle players definitely on the sidelines for the visit of Crystal Palace, with Willock back in training but not yet match-fit after five months out.
Eddie Howe said on Friday that Sven Botman (knee) was “improving” ahead of the weekend, while there was mixed news on Alexander Isak (groin) and Joelinton (hamstring).
“I hope so. He’s trained well, he’s looked good, he’s done a lot of work. I’m confident as I sit here now that he’s going to be OK.
“We did have a few injuries, not everything has cleared up and we’re not in perfect order but we’re certainly looking a little bit better.” – Eddie Howe on whether Joelinton will be available, plus other team news
“Alex hasn’t trained with us yet so we’re going to leave it late to see if he’s fit and available.
“Sven’s improving, the two weeks have been good for him.” – Eddie Howe
Howe confirmed that Sandro Tonali was “available for selection”, despite the Italian midfielder being at the centre of an investigation into illegal betting.
MANCHESTER CITY
Rodri returns from suspension this weekend, leaving only Kevin De Bruyne (hamstring) on the sidelines for the visit of Brighton.
“All good. No problems. Except Kevin [De Bruyne]… I don’t know [when he will be back].” – Pep Guardiola
John Stones built up his match fitness with two run-outs for England over the international break.
MANCHESTER UNITED
Lisandro Martinez (foot), Aaron Wan-Bissaka (hamstring), Luke Shaw (muscle), Amad Diallo (knee) and Tyrell Malacia (knee) remain unavailable, while Casemiro has now joined them after picking up a small ankle injury while away with Brazil.
Jadon Sancho also won’t feature for disciplinary reasons.
In better news, Raphael Varane (minor injury), Sergio Reguilon (muscle) and Sofyan Amrabat (back) are all fit and available.
“Rapha Varane is back, so I think, especially in the backline, I’m very happy with Rapha back and Sergio back.
“That’s very good news, of course. It’s disappointing that Casemiro picked up an injury but it’s not too bad.
“I’m sure and confident he will be back for the next games, so very short notice. The good thing is also that Sofyan Amrabat is available.” – Erik ten Hag
Kobbie Mainoo (ankle) is also back in training.
CHELSEA
Ben Chilwell (hamstring), Romeo Lavia (ankle), Christopher Nkunku (knee) and Wesley Fofana (knee) remain out for the Blues, while Chelsea confirmed earlier in the week that Trevoh Chalobah (hamstring) and Carney Chukwuemeka (knee) have had setbacks and are back on the sidelines.
Armando Broja (knee) has joined them on the injury list after pulling out of the Albania squad over the October international break.
In better news, Malo Gusto and Reece James are both free of suspension.
James, along with Benoit Badiashile (hamstring), Nicolas Jackson (wrist) and Axel Disasi (quad), will now be assessed for fitness ahead of the Arsenal game.
“We need to assess Axel Disasi, we need to assess Nico Jackson, we need to assess also Reece. Broja is out because he has a little irritation in his knee.
“Benoit maybe can be available also to be on the bench.
“[James] was training good the last few days. Now we talk about it with the medical staff and decide if he can be part of the squad tomorrow.” – Mauricio Pochettino
Cole Palmer (dead leg) wasn’t mentioned by Mauricio Pochettino after pulling out of the England under-21 squad but has been sighted in training this week.
Enzo Fernandez and Moises Caicedo should feature despite late returns from international duty.
BRIGHTON AND HOVE ALBION
The Seagulls will again be without Pervis Estupinan (muscle), Tariq Lamptey (muscle) and Julio Enciso (knee) but James Milner (muscle) has recovered in time for the trip to his former employers.
“James Milner is available to play, to start the game. Pascal [Gross] as well. Pervis Estupinan and Tariq Lamptey are injured. Jakub Moder has started to work with the group, which is great news for us.” – Roberto De Zerbi
There was no fitness update from Roberto De Zerbi on Igor Julio (knock) or Kaoru Mitoma (illness/fatigue), suggesting all is well with those two players. Mitoma, indeed, was spotted in training on Friday.
BRENTFORD
Aaron Hickey is suspended for the visit of Burnley after picking up five bookings in the first eight Gameweeks.
The full-back joins Kevin Schade (muscle), Keane Lewis-Potter (calf), Mikkel Damsgaard (knee), Rico Henry (knee), Josh Dasilva (hamstring), Shandon Baptiste (shoulder) and Ivan Toney (suspended) on the sidelines.
Mark Flekken (illness) has recovered from appendicitis, however, while Ben Mee (muscle) could potentially return.
There was no word on Ethan Pinnock, who was reportedly prevented from joining up with Jamaica because of an Achilles problem.
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“Ben Mee is getting closer, so that’s positive. He could be available for selection. It’s still only four weeks after his injury, but he’s been training with the team the whole week.
“Shandon Baptiste and Myles Peart-Harris have both part-trained with the team this week. Josh Dasilva is on his own but on the grass. Mikkel Damsgaard is progressing really well after his minor knee surgery.
“Keane Lewis-Potter is progressing quite well. I don’t know the timeline exactly, but it’s not as long as I had feared. It’s positive.” – Thomas Frank
ASTON VILLA
Long-term absentees Tyrone Mings (knee) and Emi Buendia (knee) will remain out for some time, while Jacob Ramsey (foot) and Alex Moreno (hamstring) aren’t ready to feature after they recently suffered the recurrence of old injuries and took a step back in their rehabilitation.
“Still injured are Álex Moreno and Jacob Ramsey. Other players progressively are coming to train with us after their matches with national teams.
“Hopefully, if everything goes well, tomorrow we’re going to be ready with everybody.” – Unai Emery
CRYSTAL PALACE
Eberechi Eze (hamstring), Dean Henderson (thigh) and Michael Olise (hamstring) remain out, while Jeffrey Schlupp (groin) hasn’t recovered from an injury sustained a fortnight ago.
James Tomkins has been added to the unavailable list after suffering a calf problem.
Joel Ward (groin), Cheick Doucoure (hamstring), Matheus Franca (back), Jefferson Lerma (hamstring) and Naouirou Ahamada (ankle) look poised for returns, however.
WEST HAM UNITED
David Moyes confirmed on Friday that his international contingent seemed to have returned to London unscathed.
Back-up full-backs Ben Johnson (groin) and Aaron Cresswell (hamstring) have been back in training over the international break but the West Ham boss was unsure whether they’ll make the trip to Aston Villa.
BOURNEMOUTH
Tyler Adams (hamstring), Ryan Fredericks (calf) and Emiliano Marcondes (foot) are still some way from a return but Lloyd Kelly (calf) has trained and could be back after missing out in Gameweeks 7 and 8.
Alex Scott (knee), who hasn’t featured since his summer move, is also back on the grass.
Phil Billing was withdrawn from the Denmark squad over the international break but has recovered from a knock.
Chris Mepham, another Gameweek 8 absentee, had already been passed fit to represent Wales over the October international break.
LUTON TOWN
Albert Sambi Lokonga (hamstring), Daniel Potts (ankle) and Jordan Clark (ankle) are still absent for Luton Town, who have now lost Mads Andersen (hamstring) for “months”.
Amari’i Bell (hamstring) also remains out but is only a short-term absentee.
The Hatters might be able to call on Gabriel Osho (knee) for the first time this season, while new signing Andros Townsend is also eyeing a competitive club debut.
WOLVERHAMPTON WANDERERS
Gary O’Neil said that Wolves had a “couple of issues” ahead of the clash with his old employers but didn’t name names.
Hugo Bueno (knee) missed the draw with Aston Villa a fortnight ago, while positional rival Rayan Ait-Nouri – substituted at half-time in that game – was pulled out of international duty with Morocco as Wolves said he wasn’t fit enough.
Wolves’ Mario Lemina and Nelson Semedo are suspended but Jean-Ricner Bellegarde returns from his own three-match ban for this fixture.
FULHAM
Marco Silva confirmed that there were no new injuries from international duty, although those who endured long-distance travel over the break will need to be assessed.
Tosin Adarabioyo (groin), Adama Traore (hamstring), Issa Diop (foot) and Kenny Tete (groin) remain sidelined.
EVERTON
Everton have no new concerns for the clash with their cross-city rivals.
Long-term absentees Dele Alli (hip), Seamus Coleman (knee) and Andre Gomes (calf) are the only Toffees on the injury list but Coleman is at least back in training.
“Virtually everyone, apart from the longer term [absentees] Dele Alli and Andre Gomes, [are back fit].
“Seamus is on the grass for the first time with us but he’s had one day, so he needs time after a long period out.” – Sean Dyche
SHEFFIELD UNITED
John Egan (foot) and Tom Davies (thigh) are both out for “months” and Chris Basham (leg) potentially for the season, joining an injury list that already included Max Lowe (ankle), Rhys Norrington-Davies (hamstring), Daniel Jebbison (illness) and Will Osula (unspecified).
Ben Osborn (groin) and George Baldock (calf) are closing in on returns, however.
“George is getting closer. Ossie has been back in doing a few days with us this week. One or two coming back, which is good.
“George maybe not [for Gameweek 9], Ossie yeah. We are low on numbers so even if there is a chance for the bench for the last 15 minutes and it is not going to harm them, we will be using them.” – Paul Heckingbottom
NOTTINGHAM FOREST
Taiwo Awoniyi (groin) is expected to be out another week or two, while Felipe (knee), Nuno Tavares (groin), Danilo (hamstring) and Ola Aina (muscle) remain sidelined – if Steve Cooper is to be believed.
There are two other issues to report: Serge Aurier‘s Gameweek 8 injury forced him to pull out of the Ivory Coast squad, while Gonzalo Montiel (calf) limped out of Argentina’s World Cup qualifier against Peru in midweek.
Moussa Niakhate returns from a ban, at least.
“[Montiel] has only just got back in the country. We’ll assess it ourselves. We’ve seen the initial scans but it does look like a calf injury.
“Serge walked off, as well, at Crystal Palace. He picked up an injury there.
“The ones who were injured before that game continue to be that way. They are not in training at the moment.
“[Taiwo] is progressing well. He’s not far off some training, so let’s see how the next week goes, going into the game after Saturday.” – Steve Cooper, speaking in his pre-match presser on Thursday
BURNLEY
Manuel Benson (knock), Michael Obafemi (hamstring), Johann Berg Gudmundsson (muscle), Hjalmar Ekdal (knee) and Nathan Redmond (unspecified) were all on the injury list going into Gameweek 8, while Jordan Beyer missed the defeat to Chelsea and Ameen Al-Dakhil was substituted at half-time of that 4-1 loss before pulling out of the Belgium squad.
Beyer remains out but Al-Dakhil’s injury isn’t serious, while Vincent Kompany hinted on Thursday that some of the other aforementioned names could be closing in on a return.
“There’s quite a few players coming back. I think they’re at different stages, so to make a decision if they’re ready for the battle on Saturday or not, that’s going to be over the next 48 hours for us to decide.
“[Al-Dakhil] withdrew because at half-time against Chelsea, he couldn’t continue. Luckily the news is quite positive for him. Again, a decision to make by Saturday.
“We feared the worst [about Beyer]. He’s not back yet, but we don’t think the extent is dramatic. He’s progressing well within his rehab. He did a little bit of damage landing wrong. We knew he was going to be out for a few weeks but we thought it could have been worse and maybe a few months.” – Vincent Kompany, speaking on Thursday
