Michu goes under the knife to cure an ongoing ankle complaint. Southampton’s injury problems ease ahead of a trip to Cardiff. Danny Welbeck is back in training for United. John O’Shea is a doubt for Sunderland’s visit to Everton. Leighton Baines is back for Everton, whilst Dimitar Berbatov is set for a late fitness test before Fulham’s Boxing Day clash with Norwich:
Swansea have been dealt a blow with the news that Michu will undergo an ankle operation to cure the problems that have troubled him for much of the season. Michael Laudrup admitted he expects to be without his talisman for up to six weeks.
Southampton could welcome back a number of their walking wounded for the visit to Cardiff. Luke Shaw and Pablo Osvaldo are doubts after missing the loss to Spurs with a throat infection and a knock to the right leg respectively. Nathaniel Clyne and Kelvin Davis are “approaching full fitness”, however, and could also feature against the Bluebirds.
Danny Welbeck is back in training for United after recovering from the sore knee that forced him off against West Ham. Reports suggest the forward has travelled with the squad to Hull on Boxing Day. Elsewhere, Nemanja Vidic “is fine” following injury and a throat infection in the past week.
Dimitar Berbatov is a doubt for Fulham’s clash with Norwich after missing the loss to City with a groin problem. Rene Meulensteen remains hopeful the Bulgarian will pass a late test to feature at Carrow Road, though the visitors will be without Philippe Senderos, who is ruled out next two league encounters after coming off injured early with a left abductor problem.
Leighton Baines is available for selection once again after a month out with a broken toe. Meanwhile, Nikica Jelavic is a doubt with a hamstring problem, whilst Roberto Martinez is hopeful of having Steven Pienaar available after he limped off in the second half at Swansea.
John O’Shea is an injury concern for Gus Poyet ahead of the Everton game. The Sunderland captain sustained a shoulder injury in the stalemate with Norwich, and has been assessed by the club’s medical staff. The Black Cats are already without the suspended Wes Brown after the defender saw red against Norwich, and could be forced to field a makeshift centre-back pairing should O’Shea fail to make it.
Jon Flanagan is a concern for Liverpool’s trip to the Etihad. The young defender has a hamstring injury and will be assessed, with Martin Kelly poised to deputise after replacing Flanagan in the second half against Cardiff.
Christian Benteke is “unlikely” to feature in Villa’s home clash against Palace due to a knee problem, though the Belgian has not been ruled out altogether by manager Paul Lambert.
All this, plus plenty of other crumbs of knowledge from around the Premier League press conferences have been collected for you and placed lovingly in our Team News section, along with our predicted lineups. We will keep you updated on any fresh stuff via our Twitter Feed.
