The latest FPL injury news ahead of Gameweek 31.placeholder image
The latest FPL injury news ahead of Gameweek 31. | Getty Images
Gameweek 31 kicks off on Friday night - and here is all the biggest injury news ahead of the weekend
The Premier League season is rapidly heading towards its run-in, with much still to be determined at both ends of the table and some crunch matches ahead.
Arguably the biggest attraction of the weekend in the league is the Tyne-Wear derby at St. James’ Park on Sunday. Newcastle United host Sunderland having recently leapfrogged them in the table and looking to avenge a 1-0 defeat at the Stadium of Light earlier this season. There is, of course, also the small matter of Tottenham Hotspur vs Nottingham Forest, possibly the biggest match of the season so far from a relegation standpoint.
An important note, though – due to the Carabao Cup final at Wembley on Sunday, neither of Arsenal nor Manchester City are playing in the Premier League this weekend. Neither are Wolves or Crystal Palace. So, we advise taking out of your FPL teams any players from all four sides before Friday’s 18:30 GMT deadline. Possibly a good time to use a Free Hit?
Will Mohamed Salah be fit for Liverpool this weekend?
Mohamed Salah: The biggest FPL news of the weekend is that Mohamed Salah will not be fit to play for Liverpool against Brighton on Saturday lunchtime. The Egyptian asked to come off with a “muscle issue” late on against Galatasaray in midweek and has been ruled out until after the international break. While Salah’s drop in form this season has seen his ownership drop to just 14.7%, this remains an important piece of team news ahead of finalising your squads this evening.
Slot told the press on Friday: “It is unusual, and as a result of that, I think you can expect the outcome so not available for tomorrow. The good thing for Liverpool, for us is that we go into an international break. The bad thing for Egypt is that he can’t go there, but we are hoping also with what Mo has shown in the past that he can recover faster than what other players might in similar situations because he just takes such good care of his body, and history has shown that he can be back earlier than others. But it’s only two weeks until we go again so let’s hope by that time he can be back.”
Sandro Tonali: Eddie Howe has told the press that “we will wait and see” regarding the fitness of Sandro Tonali, with his participation in the derby on Sunday yet to be determined. Tonali has been a key player for Newcastle this season and has seen transfer links escalate as a result. Howe added that Bruno Guimaraes, Lewis Miley and Fabian Schar are set to return after the international break.
Dan Ballard and Enzo Le Fée: Over on Wearside, Sunderland are sweating on the fitness of multiple key players for their trip to St. James’ Park. Ballard and Le Fée will hope to be back in time, as will Nordi Mukiele, Reinildo and Robin Roefs.
FPL injury news amid updates on Spurs and Chelsea stars
Dominic Solanke: The Spurs striker missed the return leg against Atletico Madrid in midweek with a hip problem, but he is anticipated to be back in time to help his team in their crucial match against Forest. Joao Palhinha will also aim to return after spending time on the side-lines due to concussion protocol.
Igor Tudor said on Solanke on Wednesday: "Unfortunately he has some problem with the hip. It is no big deal, but he hasn't made it for today. But I think he will be good for Sunday."
Reece James and Trevoh Chalobah: The Chelsea defensive pair are the latest at the club to have picked up injuries. James will be out until after the international break with a hamstring issue, while Chalobah has an ankle injury which is “not as serious as feared” but will see him side-lined for around six weeks. Malo Gusto and Benoit Badiashile will hope to be back after missing out against PSG due to illness.
Crysencio Summerville: The winger has spear-headed West Ham United’s battle against the drop in recent weeks but missed their last match against Man City with a calf issue. We are awaiting confirmation over whether he will be fit to face Aston Villa.
James Tarkowski: The Everton defender missed the match against Arsenal with a suspected injury, though manager David Moyes did not comment further on the issue. His availability for this weekend remains unconfirmed at present.
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