Andy Carroll is expected to miss the rest of the season due to a knee injury. Alexis Sanchez is uncertain to feature for Arsenal’s showdown with Middlesbrough. Robin van Persie is a doubt for United, Jon Walters could return for Stoke, whilst Mile Jedinak is likely to miss out again for Palace.
Arsene Wenger has admitted Alexis Sanchez remains a doubt for Sunday’s clash with Middlesbrough due to the knee injury sustained against Leicester on Tuesday. The Gunners boss had some positive news, though, revealing Aaron Ramsey will only miss the next two weeks with a hamstring problem, whilst Jack Wilshere is back in normal training.
Yaya Sanogo remains a doubt for Palace’s clash with Liverpool due to a hamstring problem, whilst James McArthur is struggling to overcome a thigh injury. The Eagles have new left-back Pape Souare available for selection, after the Senegal international finally received a work permit. Skipper Mile Jedinak is likely to miss out again with a knee problem.
Matthew Upson has returned to training for Leicester after recovering from the knock picked up against Arsenal on Tuesday. Robert Huth is cup-tied for the Foxes, whilst Chris Wood misses up despite stepping up his recovery from a minor ankle injury.
Robin van Persie is a doubt for United’s clash with Preston on Monday, whilst Daley Blind and Phil Jones remain uncertain to feature after both were forced off against Burnley in midweek. Speaking to MUTV, Louis van Gaal conceded:
“I don’t know. We have to wait and see. I don’t think it’s a heavy injury for Jones. With Blind, I say what the doctor has said – we’ll wait and see. I think he shall play on Monday – that’s my expectation, but you never know.”
Reports in the Newcastle press suggest the Cheick Tiote could be ruled out for up to ten weeks with the knee injury sustained whilst playing for Senegal in the African Cup of Nations.
Mark Hughes rolled out an injury update ahead of Stoke’s clash with Blackburn, with the Potters boss optimistic on Jon Walters’ chances of recovering from a knee problem:
“Jon Walters is the only one who realistically looks like he could be okay. We left him out on Wednesday with the sole purpose of hopefully having him available on Saturday. He has a little problem which we have got to manage correctly, and that is what we have been doing with him. He hasn’t trained this week, but we will see how he is today. Erik Pieters has trained this week, but again he has been out for a month so we have to decide what we feel is best for him as we don’t want to compromise him. The likes of Ryan [Shawcross], Marc [Wilson] and Stephen Ireland could all return for Aston Villa next weekend.”
Jack Rodwell is available for Sunderland’s trip to Bradford, though Anthony Reveillere is a major doubt due to a hamstring problem. Fellow defender Billy Jones has recovered from a similar complaint, whilst Emmanuele Giaccherini misses out due to illness. Lee Cattermole and Will Buckley are still sidelined due to knee injuries.
Baggies new boy Callum McManaman is a doubt for the cup clash against West Ham. Skipper Darren Fletcher is cup-tied, whilst Victor Anichebe continues to struggle with a groin problem.
Big Sam’s side look likely to be without Andy Carroll for the remainder of the season – the forward is set to undergo surgery on knee ligament damage on Tuesday, West Ham have confirmed. The Hammers have successfully appealed Adrian’s midweek dismissal against Southampton and the stopper is available for selection with immediate effect, whilst Allardyce also welcomes back Mark Noble and Kevin Nolan, after both missed out against the Saints in midweek.
