Daniel Sturridge fails to recover from a thigh problem and is out of England’s upcoming match with Ukraine. Luis Suarez bags a brace for Uruguay, Victor Moses is amongst the goals for Nigeria, while David Luiz and Ramires feature for Brazil as Oscar misses out with an ankle knock:
Sturridge Out of Ukraine Match
Daniel Sturridge’s Fantasy owners were given further reason for concern after the forward was
ruled out of England’s qualifier against Ukraine on Tuesday evening. The Liverpool man has failed to recover in time from the thigh problem that had been bothering him prior to last weekend’s win over United and yesterday’s news will raise question marks over his availability for the Reds’ next league fixture away to Swansea.
The Scout Says: Although the Gameweek 4 trip to the Liberty doesn’t take place until Monday September 16, Sturridge’s propensity for picking up injuries is a real concern. Last season, he was sidelined at Chelsea with a hamstring injury, while a groin strain hampered his number of starts with the Merseysiders. Frustratingly, this comes at a time where he’s turning in the most prolific performances of his career – grabbing the match-winner in each of the first three league matches. With an enticing run of games up next for Brendan Rodgers’ side, the bandwagon was in overdrive but has now comes to a standstill on the back of his omission – given that Luis Suarez is back for Gameweek 6, Rodgers may decide to take it easy with Sturridge in order to prevent further injury. The arrival of Victor Moses could also see Iago Aspas pushed into the lone forward role, with Philippe Coutinho switching from the left flank into “the hole” behind Aspas, should Rodgers choose to court caution. Both Suarez and Moses were in action last night for their international sides and the duo found the net – Moses grabbed Nigeria’s second against Malawai while Suarez notched both Uruguay’s goals in a win away to Peru.
Luiz and Ramires Star for Samba Boys
Chelsea pair Ramires and David Luiz both featured in Brazil’s 6-0 drubbing over Australia. Ramires, in the side for the injured Oscar, got himself on the scoresheet and earned an assist, while Luiz came through an hour before being replaced.
The Scout Says: Having started in the Super Cup clash with Bayern Munich, Luiz would now see firmly in the frame to figure in Jose Mourinho’s Premier League lineup when domestic matters reconvene for Gameweek 4’s trip to Everton. It was John Terry who made way against Bayern and it remains to be seen how Mourinho will juggle his defence come Saturday’s tea-time kick-off. Luiz would seem set to figure in Brazil’s friendly with Portugal on Tuesday before flying back to join up with the Blues’ squad. He has dropped to 6.3 from 6.5 in the Fantasy Premier League (FPL) game, representing a viable saving for the 31% who currently hold Branislav Ivanovic. Terry, meanwhile, is owed by over 5% of FPL managers who will doubtless be looking to the Goodison teamsheet with some trepidation. However, having been fully rested over the break, Terry could well be restored against the Toffees with both Gary Cahill and Luiz seeing minutes for their respective countries. Meanwhile, Oscar’s reported ankle injury, reportedly sustained in training with Brazil, will make him an early doubt for Saturday’s clash – perhaps opening the door for Juan Mata’s first league start of the season.
