A very busy day of team news awaits us as 17 Premier League managers face the media ahead of Saturday’s Gameweek 6 deadline.
As ever, we’ll be bringing you the latest key quotes and team news updates in this ‘live’ article. Keep checking back throughout the day for the latest updates.
For the headline updates from Thursday’s three other pressers, click here.
GAMEWEEK 6: KEY INJURY UPDATES FROM FRIDAY’S PRESSERS
- Manchester City: Haaland “ready”, Kovacic a “maybe”, four still out. Pep on Foden
- Chelsea: Palmer + Tosin out for the next few weeks Fofana concussed
- Liverpool: Ekitike banned, Slot on Isak’s readiness to start, Leoni out for a year
- Arsenal: Odegaard expected to train, Madueke out, Saka fine
- Newcastle United: Murphy available but being managed, Gordon back from ban
- Nottingham Forest: Murillo still in individual training, Luiz out, Ange on Wood v Jesus
- Tottenham Hotspur: Solanke + Kolo Muani still out, Sarr trains
- Manchester United: Amad to miss out, Casemiro banned, Mazraoui injured
- Crystal Palace: Sarr “ready” but may not last 90 minutes, Pino fit
- Aston Villa: Martinez to be assessed, Tielemans among three still out
- Brighton and Hove Albion: De Cuyper + Wieffer available, Gruda + Minteh “fine”
- Everton: Branthwaite + Rohl still out
- Fulham: Kevin trains, no other concerns
- Bournemouth: Cook to be assessed, Unal + Smith still out
- Wolverhampton Wanderers: No injury concerns, Strand Larsen not ready for 90 mins
- West Ham United: Wan-Bissaka remains out, Soucek still suspended
- Brentford: Bees to assess ill Nelson, two still working on fitness
FRIDAY’S PRESS CONFERENCE TIMES
🚨 Friday’s FPL Press Conferences!
🕊️ 9am – Hurzeler
⚫ 9.30am – Howe
🔴 9.45am – Slot
🍒 10.15am – Iraola
🧿 11am – Maresca
⭕ 12pm – Arteta
🔵 12.30pm – Guardiola
🐺 1pm – Pereira
🐝 1.30pm – Andrews
🦅 1.30pm – Glasner
🍬 1.30pm – Moyes
⬜ 1.30pm – Silva
🌳 1.30pm -… pic.twitter.com/PBJ728obme— Fantasy Football Scout (@FFScout) September 26, 2025
Unai Emery has been belatedly added to the above list at 2pm BST
MANCHESTER CITY
Erling Haaland (back) is “ready” to face Burnley this weekend, according to Pep Guardiola.
“He is ready.” – Pep Guardiola on Erling Haaland
Mateo Kovacic (Achilles) is also closing in on a return, having been absent since before the FIFA Club World Cup.
Omar Marmoush (knee), Rayan Ait-Nouri (ankle), Abdudokir Khusanov (unknown) and Rayan Cherki (thigh) remain out, however.
“Ait-Nouri, no. Cherki, no. Khusanov, no. Omar, no. Kova, maybe.
“A long injury [for Kovacic], surgery. He’s getting better. He’s not fully ready but step by step.” – Pep Guardiola
Pep Guardiola also had positive words to say about Phil Foden, one of just two Gameweek 5 starters to keep his place for the midweek cup win over Huddersfield Town.
“In the game against Arsenal, everybody was exhausted and tired because we run a lot, behind the ball, we parked the bus and so on. In that moment, Phil said: ‘I want to play again, I want to play again’. That’s what happened when he arrived at 17, 18, 19 years old, he wanted to play every day because he was happy, the joy to play. That is the best sign that he’s ready.
“His physical condition is outstanding, his recovery time and everything, his mind is ready. He can play every three days with high intensity and a good level.” – Pep Guardiola on Phil Foden
CHELSEA
Enzo Maresca has confirmed that Cole Palmer (groin) will be sidelined for the next few weeks, up to the forthcoming international break.
The England international does not, however, need surgery (yet).
“We decide to protect a little bit Cole, in terms of, you know, don’t get worse in his injury. So, we decide to rest him for the next 2-3 weeks, probably until the next international break, just to see if, with that rest, he can be available to recover 100% and to be completely fit after the international break.
“No, I don’t think he needs surgery, it’s just a matter of managing pain in his groin. With the amount of games, it’s something that can happen. So, this is the reason why we try to be a little conservative with him, to give him rest. Hopefully, he can be 100% fit after the international break.” – Enzo Maresca on Cole Palmer
Tosin Adarabioyo (calf) is also out until after the October internationals, while Wesley Fofana has a concussion.
“We have Tosin injured. He probably will be out until the international break. He has a small problem in his calf.
“Wes Fofana had concussion the other day against Lincoln, and the rest, I think they are all okay.” – Enzo Maresca
Levi Colwill (knee), Dario Essugo (thigh) and Liam Delap (hamstring) remain sidelined, while Mykhailo Mudryk (suspended) and Facundo Buonanotte (ineligible) can’t play in Gameweek 6, either.
Long-term absentees Benoit Badiashile and Romeo Lavia could be back, however, while Robert Sanchez is also available. He served a one-match ban in the EFL Cup in midweek.
“Romeo and Benoit, they are better. We will see if they can join us tomorrow, otherwise will be for the next one.” – Enzo Maresca
“I think Robert [Sanchez] for a long period, for a long time, was very good with us. The last part of last season, the beginning of this season, he was fantastic. He made a mistake against Man United and recognised that.
“We are happy with Robert, we are happy with Filip [Jorgensen], both of them. Not any problem with Robert.” – Enzo Maresca
Josh Acheampong – who could step in at centre-half on Saturday – and Marc Guiu missed Tuesday’s victory at Sincil Bank, the former through illness and the latter after “feeling something” in training. Both have trained since.
“I already showed trust and confidence with Josh Acheampong last year when he played games in a row in the Premier League.
“When we played Josh Acheampong away at Palace and at home against Bournemouth, the reason why was not because we didn’t have any central defenders.
“We trust Josh, not because of the injury situation.
“He was ill this week, he had the first session yesterday with us. Part of my job is to find solutions when we have some problems in terms of numbers.” – Enzo Maresca
“Marc is working well and for sure he’s going to get some chances.” – Enzo Maresca on Marc Guiu
LIVERPOOL
As you’ll no doubt know by now, Hugo Ekitike will miss Gameweek 6 after being sent off for two bookable offences in the midweek EFL Cup tie against Southampton.
The big question now: will Alexander Isak be ready to start against Crystal Palace?
“Yeah, yeah, he’s able to play minutes again. I still feel 90 is… it depends also on the pace and intensity of the game, but it might be a bit too much. But not only that, also for the long term. So, you can give a player maybe one, I would call, ‘stupid hit’ to bring him to 90 and then his body is completely… you’ve brought him too far over the line. So, I don’t think it’s smart to play him 90 yet.
“He’s further into his ‘pre-season’ now. Normally, after two or three weeks in pre-season, players go to 60-70 minutes. At some clubs, they even bring them to 90, but if you look at our pre-season, we mainly bring them to 60-70 minutes.” – Arne Slot, when asked if Alexander Isak is ready to start
Injury-wise, Giovanni Leoni faces a year on the sidelines after suffering a knee ligament injury in Wednesday’s win.
“He tore his ACL, which means that he will be out for around a year.” – Arne Slot on Giovanni Leoni
ARSENAL
Martin Odegaard (shoulder) will train with his teammates ahead of the Newcastle United game, with Mikel Arteta hopeful that he can be involved on Sunday.
“Martin will be training with us the next two days, so hopefully he will be available for the game.” – Mikel Arteta on Martin Odegaard
Noni Madueke (knee), Kai Havertz (knee) and Gabriel Jesus (knee) remain unavailable. Madueke has yet to have his next scan to determine the length of his absence.
Arteta also said earlier this week that Piero Hincapie (groin) would be out for a “short time”.
Arsenal seem to have emerged from Wednesday’s win over Port Vale unscathed, at least, with Bukayo Saka‘s substitution after an hour pre-planned.
“Nothing to report there, I think he played the game that we anticipated. He did well, he feels good, and he will be training the next two days.
“Yes [he’s available].” – Mikel Arteta on Bukayo Saka
NEWCASTLE UNITED
Anthony Gordon‘s three-match domestic ban ended in Gameweek 5, so the winger is now available. He featured in Wednesday’s EFL Cup win over Bradford City, indeed.
Someone who was not involved in that cup tie was Jacob Murphy (Achilles), who Newcastle have been managing of late.
“He is doing okay, it is an issue we are managing. Sometimes with Achilles tendon problems, they are ongoing and players manage them. We’ve had several in the past few seasons who have done that. He is in that place where he is fit and he’s available, and has been, but maybe certain days he has been quite sore, so we are just trying to manage his load.” – Eddie Howe on Jacob Murphy
Elsewhere, Yoane Wissa (knee) and Jacob Ramsey (ankle) likely remain out until after the October international break.
“I think his recovery is going really well. He’s on the grass, working hard, building his fitness back up. The plan, I think, was [that] it would be the first game after the international break that’s ahead of us. If it’s anything earlier than that, then of course, he is ahead of schedule.” – Eddie Howe on Jacob Ramsey
Howe said he had no other major concerns emerging from that victory over the Bantams, although there will be checks on some unnamed players.
“We have got a couple of players to check today, see how they are. No major injuries from the game, I think everyone physically looked pretty good.” – Eddie Howe
Howe has chopped and changed his starting XI this season, more so than he’s done in the past. The Newcastle boss discussed rotation in his presser.
“I don’t think my attitude’s changed [with regards to rotation]. I think two years ago, we’d have liked to have done the same but it was almost, as we got to the point where the games started to come, we lost our strength and we lost the ability to do it.
“So, I think you got to be really careful with rotation that you don’t over rotate and lose rhythm in your in your squad. So, I think there’s a real balance to it, but I think it’s a case of more of looking at the individual players and seeing who is at a point where they’re going into the game and not able to actually deliver their best performance. I think that’s a better way of looking at it, rather than thinking we’re just going to rotate for the sake of rotating.” – Eddie Howe on rotation
“I think when you’re looking at a consistent backline, it’s all about the structure that’s ahead of it. That is just as important as the structure of the back four themselves. So the team function is really important and I think we’ve defended our back four really well this year with the players in front, they have done a really, really good job.
“I’ve always believed in consistency of selection in the backline if you can. And of course, when we haven’t been in Europe, that’s been easier. I don’t like chopping and changing the back four unless I absolutely have to but I think with the games that we have, and we spoke about that a lot this season, I think that would be something that we will have to do.” – Eddie Howe on rotating his defence
NOTTINGHAM FOREST
Douglas Luiz (hamstring) will miss the Sunderland game, while Murillo (knock/thigh) remains a doubt.
“Murillo is still kind of not where we want him to be. He’s still not totally comfortable. He’s still doing the individual training and we were hoping he would have progressed a bit quicker. Obviously, it was a pretty severe knock on his thigh and my understanding was the healing process there has been slower than what we thought and he doesn’t just feel comfortable. So, we’ve just got to be patient with him. He is out on the grass, he is working individually, it’s just about incorporating him back into the team.” – Ange Postecoglou on Murillo
“Dougie wasn’t great yesterday, either, we sent him for a scan on his hamstring. He won’t be available this weekend.
“It’s nothing serious, we know that, it’s not significant but I think with the international window around the corner, I think there might be an opportunity for us to really build him up.” – Ange Postecoglou on Douglas Luiz
Nikola Milenkovic‘s stoppage-time exit in the draw with Real Betis on Wednesday was attributed to cramp. Hopefully, the below comment bodes well, too.
“Everyone else, as is, no other issues.” – Ange Postecoglou
Long-term absentee Nicolas Dominguez (knee) was back in the squad in midweek but Ola Aina (hamstring) remains out.
Ange Postecoglou was asked about his starting striker in Gameweek 6 after the two-goal heroics of Igor Jesus in Spain.
“Igor has done awfully well and it’s a credit to him because we’ve not just seen it here at our club but at other clubs [as well], when players come from foreign leagues, it always takes a period of adjustment, irrespective of the calibre of the player. But he’s made an impact almost from the first day he’s been here and he did really well for us the other night.
“But like I said, Chris [Wood] is an outstanding striker and last year was incredible. His goal return and the way he puts himself about. It’s great for us to have that choice of striker; whichever way I go tomorrow, I’ll be more than comfortable that they’ll be able to do the job.” – Ange Postecoglou on his strikers
TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR
Dominic Solanke (ankle) was briefly back in training this week but the striker is still plagued by ankle niggles and misses out again this weekend.
Randal Kolo Muani (dead leg) isn’t ready to return either.
Radu Dragusin (knee), James Maddison (knee) and Dejan Kulusevski (knee) are also still out.
It’s better news on Pape Matar Sarr (thigh), who missed the midweek win over Doncaster Rovers as a precaution. He has trained.
“The latest is that everyone that was available from the last Premier League game is available again.
“In midweek, Pape [Matar Sarr] was out shortly, it was a precaution. He could train today, so that’s a positive.
“Kolo Muani’s dead leg is just dragging on, so a little bit longer, he’ll just take a few more days and he’ll be available. Dom is not available.
“Dominic’s ankle injury has just been a little bit tricky. It’s nothing big. We’re relatively positive that he’ll be relatively quick.
“[Solanke] wasn’t on the grass today but was on the grass earlier in the week.” – Thomas Frank
The absence of Solanke and Kolo Muani spells good news for Richarlison.
“Right now, it is very simple and very easy! Richy is playing and doing good, he’s scored three goals and one assist. Good numbers. We are happy with Richy. He just needs to keep building, keep adding good performances.” – Thomas Frank on Richarlison
We’re still awaiting an update on Ben Davies (knee), who has missed the last two games with a minor issue, and Kota Takai (foot), who returned to training after a medium-term absence.
MANCHESTER UNITED
Ruben Amorim has confirmed that Amad Diallo will miss Saturday’s trip to Brentford due to a family bereavement.
“Amad is not here. Someone in his family passed away so we are giving all the support to Amad. We understood that it was important to him to have his time and to return home.” – Ruben Amorim on Amad Diallo
Elsewhere, Casemiro is also sidelined after his red card for two bookable offences in last Saturday’s win over Chelsea.
Diogo Dalot (muscle) and long-term absentee Lisandro Martinez (knee) missed that game but the former has been spotted in training since and is available.
It’s one in, one out on the wing-back front, however, with Noussair Mazraoui ruled out until after the October international break.
“[Mazraoui] is not going to be [available] until we stop for the national teams. He is out also.” – Rubem Amorim
CRYSTAL PALACE
There’s a double boost for Palace as both Ismaila Sarr (muscle) and Yeremy Pino (knee) look set to be fit for the visit of Liverpool.
“Yes he is [ready]. So, he had the full training week, the same with Adam [Wharton] and Eddie [Nketiah, who returned last week].
“We always nominate the squad when we think everybody is ready to start. I don’t know if he can play 90 or 100 minutes – I don’t know how intense the game will be – but yes, he’s ready [to start].” – Oliver Glasner on Ismaila Sarr
“[Yeremy Pino] just had to rest on Tuesday. He had a bone bruise – he took a knock, knee on knee, which was very painful – but since Wednesday, he’s been training and did the rest of the week. He feels fine, so he’s also available.” – Oliver Glasner on Yeremy Pino
Chadi Riad (knee), Cheick Doucoure (knee), Walter Benitez (finger) and Caleb Kporha (back) remain on the injury list.
“It’s just Caleb Kporha who can’t train at the moment, and of course Chadi Riad and Cheick Doucouré. Chadi looks like he will return around the next international break, so it’s good.” – Oliver Glasner
ASTON VILLA
Youri Tielemans (calf), Amadou Onana (hamstring) and Ross Barkley (personal reasons) will again miss out this weekend.
Villa also have to assess Emiliano Martinez after he missed Thursday’s win over Bologna with a minor issue.
Andres Garcia was back in the squad in midweek, in what was his first matchday involvement of 2025/26.
BRIGHTON AND HOVE ALBION
Jack Hinshelwood (ankle), Adam Webster (knee) and Solly March (knee) remain on the sidelines for the Seagulls.
But Maxim De Cuyper (knock) and Mats Wieffer (knee) are back available.
“There’s some positive news. Mats Wieffer will be back. De Cuyper will be back. Jack is still out. So, overall we have some more options, especially regarding our full-backs.” – Fabian Hurzeler
Fabian Hurzeler said that Brajan Gruda (knock) and Yankuba Minteh (back) had received treatment this week but were back in training as of Thursday and are “fine”.
“He recovered this week. So, he had some some days off because of his small issue. He received a hit so therefore he needed a lot of treatment but he trained yesterday, so he will be fine.” – Fabian Hurzeler on Brajan Gruda
“The same for him. So, he had some days to recover. He trained yesterday, so he will be fine.” – Fabian Hurzeler on Yankuba Minteh
After Diego Gomez‘s four-goal heroics in midweek, Hurzeler was asked if the Paraguay international would start this weekend.
“It was a special moment, a special evening for him and let’s see how we will decide tomorrow because of course, there’s a lot of competition regarding this position and we are happy that he’s such in a good place. Let’s see if he will start for us.
“It’s definitely an option [playing Gomez on the right wing, where he started in midweek]. So, when you ask him what is your favourite position, he answers you, ‘I can play everywhere’ because he has this ability that he’s good in every position.” – Fabian Hurzeler on Diego Gomez
EVERTON
Jarrad Branthwaite (hamstring) and Merlin Rohl (hip) will again miss out for the Toffees in Gameweek 6.
“[Jarrad] is not available for Monday, neither’s Merlin. So, both of them are out.
“[Jarrad is] not [with the group] at the moment, we’re expecting him back shortly but not quite yet.” – David Moyes
FULHAM
Summer signing Kevin suffered a shoulder injury in Tuesday’s match against Cambridge United, with boss Marco Silva saying afterwards that the winger was in some pain.
He has trained as of Friday, however, and he’ll be assessed before the Aston Villa game.
Silva confirmed in his pre-match presser that the Cottagers have no other worries.
“So far, all the players are okay.
“[Kevin] did train today, still has some pain, but he did train today. There’s a chance he’s in contention for the game, yes, but another session tomorrow and after we’ll have to take a decision on him.” – Marco Silva
BOURNEMOUTH
Adam Smith (hamstring) and Enes Unal (knee) are still on the sidelines for the Cherries.
Head coach Andoni Iraola also said he’d check on Lewis Cook (shoulder). The midfielder missed the draw with Newcastle United last Sunday and, while he has trained since, is still experiencing pain in his shoulder.
“I think it’s a very similar picture to the one we had the past week. Obviously, Enes and Adam Smith are out and then we have the situation with Lewis Cook – that he’s still with some pain on the shoulder. He’s training with us, but we have to take a decision. We’ll see today how he trains and see if he can travel with us or it’s better we leave it for next week. But it’s a decision we have to take today after training.
“Everyone else is available, no issues.” – Andoni Iraola
WOLVERHAMPTON WANDERERS
Andre appeared to pick up an injury before being taken off in the match against Everton on Tuesday but Vitor Pereira said on Friday that he had a clean bill of health, suggesting the midfielder is fine.
“No [injury concerns]. This is good, this is good, but it’s a headache for me because to make the list for the game, in this moment, is every time something that demands decisions.” – Vitor Pereira
Pereira did stress that Jorgen Strand Larsen was still not “100%”, however, after his recent lay-off.
Leon Chiwome (knee) is still out.
WEST HAM UNITED
Aaron Wan-Bissaka (stomach) is the only injury-related absentee for the trip to Everton on Monday.
Tomas Soucek serves game two of a three-match ban following his sending off in Gameweek 4.
BRENTFORD
Ahead of Keith Andrews’ presser, the Bees have issued their weekly medical bulletin.
Reiss Nelson is the only new concern, having missed a week of training due to illness.
He has, however, reintegrated into team training and will be assessed to see whether he can feature against Manchester United.
Longer-term absentees Gustavo Nunes (hamstring) and Paris Maghoma (hamstring) are both back on the grass and closing in on returns.
Maghoma will “reintegrate into team training next week”, while Nunes “will feature for Brentford B in their upcoming games to build fitness and match sharpness”.
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