No sooner has the fallout from an explosive Premier League weekend subsided than the build-up to the next round of games has begun. And following their ill-tempered draw with Arsenal on Sunday, champions Manchester City go to Newcastle on Saturday looking to regain their winning momentum.
However, they will do so without key midfielder Rodri, with the influential Spaniard ruled out for the majority of the season. The Gunners meanwhile, host Leicester which could mean ample Fantasy Premier League points for Bukayo Saka and co, while Liverpool go to Wolves, a team who Mo Salah has previously scored five times against.
But what about those players who are doubtful to be in action? Ahead of the upcoming GW6 deadline, Express Sport have detailed all the latest FPL injury news.
David Raya
So there was no fourth Premier League clean sheet of the season for David Raya in the 2-2 draw with City, but there was another impressive display that underlined why he’s one of the most selected keepers in the FPL this season. However, the Spaniard has left many managers in a dilemma ahead of the weekend.
Raya missed the Bolton League Cup tie with a thigh injury. The problem is not said to be serious and the 29-year-old has a chance of recovering in time for what should represent a good chance of another shut out against Leicester. Arteta’s decision on his fitness however, may not be made until the 11th hour….
Alisson
Another goalkeeper, another thigh problem. But history suggests the chances of Liverpool risking their Brazilian No.1 returning for the trip to Molineux on Saturday evening are remote.
Despite the EPL injury table rating his chances of recovery at 75 per cent, Alisson’s history of breaking down, coupled by the reliability of Caoimhin Kelleher, make it unlikely Arne Slot will gamble. A return for the Champions League tie with Bologna next Wednesday appears a more realistic proposition.
Kevin De Bruyne
If Pep Guardiola wants to negate the hammer blow of Rodri missing from his midfield, then returning Kevin De Bruyne to the starting line-up wouldn’t be a bad place to start. Absent since picking up a hip injury in the 0-0 draw with Inter Milan, the Belgian star is back in training with his club, albeit not at full tilt.
The chances of him being in the XI at St James’ Park appear unlikely though, given the manic workload Guardiola’s side face for the remainder of the campaign. Should the 33-year-old be deemed fit enough to be involved, expect his minutes to be managed from the bench.
Joao Pedro
Fans hoping Joao Pedro will be back in the Brighton team to face Chelsea should cool their expectations. He returned from injury against Nottingham Forest last weekend, only to be on the wrong end of a heavy challenge from Morgan Gibbs-White.
And speaking on Thursday, Seagulls boss Fabian Hurzeler implied the. Belgian player will miss the game at Stamford Bridge. “It was a hard tackle and Joao had some problems after the game, he still has some problem,” he said.
“We have to go week for week with him. But I don’t think he will be an option for the weekend. I’m not sure how long he will be out. I think Joao is a good healer and I’m convinced he will be back soon but of course, also with this player we can’t take any risks.”
Yoane Wissa
Anyone with Yoane Wissa sitting in their FPL squad would be well advised to swiftly remove him. The Brentford forward is unlikely to feature again until Novembers, following the ankle injury that forced him in the defeat at Manchester City this month.
Manager Thomas Frank has given a bleak short-term outlook on the DR Congo international, saying: “Wissa is, unfortunately, not good news. It looks like an injury that will be a couple of months.”
