Aaron Ramsey is out for the rest of the Christmas period. Fulham, Hull and Stoke are rocked by goalkeeper injuries. Phil Jones suffers a knee injury for United. Christian Benteke and Ron Vlaar are likely to remain sidelined for Villa. Dimitar Berbatov remains a doubt for the weekend, while Ravel Morrison is a concern for West Ham with a groin complaint:
Arsenal’s title bid has been dealt a blow with the news that Aaron Ramsey is expected to be out for a while with the thigh strain sustained at West Ham. Post-match, Arsene Wenger confirmed the injury will “certainly” keep the Welshman out for the remainder of the Christmas period. Meanwhile Jack Wilshere returns for the trip to Newcastle, following suspension.
Dimitar Berbatov remains a doubt for Fulham’s trip to Hull after missing the last two matches with a groin complaint. Rene Meulensteen will be without Maarten Stekelenburg, though, after he twisted his ankle on the last day of training before the Boxing Day win at Norwich – David Stockdale is set to deputise once more.
Asmir Begovic could be sidelined for up to six weeks after suffering a broken finger in training. The Bosnian missed Stoke’s defeat to Newcastle, with Mark Hughes revealing “It’s quite a bad break”. Thomas Sorensen is expected to deputise between the sticks, whilst the Potters will also be without Marc Wilson and Glenn Whelan, following their red cards against Newcastle.
Sam Allardyce has confirmed James Collins is “unlikely” to recover from the calf complaint that forced him off early during yesterday’s defeat to Arsenal, though the Hammers boss is a little more optimistic on Ravel Morrison. The youngster missed out against the Gunners with a groin complaint but his manager reckons it “isn’t too bad” ahead of a crucial clash with West Brom.
Manchester United have defensive concerns after Phil Jones missed the win over Hull with a knee injury. The former Blackburn man is expected to be sidelined for “a couple of weeks”, according to David Moyes, while Rafael is a doubt after coming off early against Hull with a groin problem.
Christian Benteke and Ron Viaar look set to miss out again for Villa with knee and calf injuries respectively. Paul Lambert is hopeful the Belgian could be available for New Year’s Day against Sunderland but is less optimistic on his skipper. Villa will welcome back Ashley Westwood though, after the midfielder served his suspension in the home loss to Palace.
Hull have injury concerns ahead of the Fulham game, after David Meyler and Allan McGregor were both withdrawn at half-time on Boxing day with knee injuries. The pair are set for x-rays and scans, with Steve Bruce unsure whether either will be available for Saturday. Alex Bruce is also a doubt after picking up a calf problem during the United game.
All this and more has now been updated in the Team News section ahead of tomorrow’s deadline. Keep an eye on our official Twitter Stream as breaking news unfolds.
