The latest Fantasy Premier League injury updates heading into Gameweek 38.
The end is nigh. After a long and often rather bizarre Fantasy Premier League season, it’s time to pick our final squad and pray for the luck required to win our mini-leagues before we get a couple of blissful months free from transfer planning – but as always, there are a number of awkward injuries which will make our decisions rather more difficult in Gameweek 38.
Alexander Isak, David Raya and João Pedro are among the notable FPL assets with worrying yellow warning signs next to their names in the app, so we’ve collected all the latest relevant injury information below to help out – and as always, we’ll update everything after Friday’s pre-match press conferences to keep you all in the loop ahead of Sunday’s 14:30 BST deadline.
Isak, Raya & João Pedro among key FPL doubts for Gameweek 38
Alexander Isak: The Swedish striker missed yet another game due to injury when he was absent for last Friday’s 4-2 defeat to Aston Villa, with Arne Slot blaming a “minor” muscular issue. The Dutchman told the press that there is “definitely a chance” that Isak plays against Brentford and he’s expected to train the build-up, but added that he “cannot give any guarantees.”
Jeremie Frimpong & Alisson Becker: Full-back and occasional winger Frimpong is in the same position and faces a late fitness test, while we still don’t know whether Alisson Becker will be involved despite returning to team training last week. We wouldn’t gamble on either, quite frankly.
David Raya: Raya went down in apparent agony towards the end of Arsenal’s 1-0 win over Burnley on Monday, providing a potential headache for over a third of FPL players. The Spaniard confirmed in a press interview after the match that he had suffered “a dead back, a dead glute and a dead shoulder,” but added that he expected to be “fine” for the final day of the season. There’s always a chance that Mikel Arteta will rest him, however, with the title won and a Champions League final to prepare for.
Jurriën Timber & Mikel Merino: By the same logic, we’re not expecting to see Timber or Merino, both long-term absentees, in action either. Both are said to be progressing well through their respective rehab processes, but neither have been confirmed to be back in full training.
João Pedro: The Brazilian forward missed the win over Tottenham Hotspur due to what interim Chelsea coach Calum McFarlane described as a “slight knock.” He added that the issue was “nothing that we’re massively concerned about” but did also say that it was a “wait and see” situation in terms of whether he could play Sunderland. We suspect he’ll be involved given that Chelsea need a win to ensure European qualification, but it’s all guesswork for now.
Benjamin Šeško: The Slovenian striker has missed the last two matches due to a shin injury which Michael Carrick initially downplayed the severity of – and The Sun (not our favourite source, admittedly) report that he won’t be risked on the final day. We wouldn’t be shocked if they were right on this occasion.
Spurs & Crystal Palace injuries also giving FPL managers headaches
Dominic Solanke: Robert De Zerbi had hinted that Solanke was close to coming back from a hamstring injury prior to the defeat to Chelsea, but in the end the striker missed out – Spurs will do everything they can to get him fit for the final day of the season, but he remains a doubt and seems unlikely to play a full 90 minutes. We’d swerve him this week.
Chris Richards & Maxence Lacroix: Crystal Palace defenders are often popular budget picks for FPL managers, but two of their best are doubts heading into the game against Arsenal. Richards hurt his ankle against Brentford and we expect him to be rested given that Palace have a Europa Conference League final to think about, but Oliver Glasner did say that Lacroix’s injury was “not a problem” so he may well be involved. Chadi Riad should be fit too, with his substitution last weekend put down to cramp.
Anton Stach, Noah Okafor, Pascal Struijk, Jayden Bogle & Gabriel Gudmundsson: Leeds have a host of players carrying minor injuries into the final weekend, and going through them all in detail would take an age, so by way of a quick round-up: Stach and Struijk won’t play, Gudmundsson is unlikely but plausible, Bogle is a big doubt but we have less clarity, and Okafor is touch-and-go. We’re leaning towards none of the internationals being involved, with Daniel Farke hinting that he’ll give players going to the World Cup some rest given that Leeds have ensured their safety. That includes Okafor.
Omar Alderete: The Sunderland centre-back was hauled off after just 20 minutes during the eventual win over Everton, with Régis Le Bris later telling reporters that the Paraguayan had suffered a minor injury during training before the game and was thus taken off as a precaution. We don’t yet know whether he’s available to face Chelsea.
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