It’s nearly time for another round of Premier League action, with the fixtures still coming thick and fast as we approach the New Year. The match between Arsenal and Aston Villa is the pick of the bunch, while Sunderland’s home game against Manchester City could be another corker. All 20 teams will be in action over the next two nights but many top players are fielding injury concerns, presenting a dilemma for FPL managers.
Express Sport provides a helping hand with a list of popular picks who might not be available for Gameweek 19…
Jurrien Timber
The defender missed Arsenal’s recent victory over Brighton and Hove Albion after picking up a knock in the Carabao Cup win against Crystal Palace.
Afterwards, Mikel Arteta said: “In the last part of the [Palace] game, he felt something and could not carry on. So, he’s out.”
Timber has had a week to recover since then and it remains to be seen if he will be fit enough to play against Villa.
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Riccardo Calafiori
The left-back was taken out of Arsenal’s starting XI against Brighton just before kick-off, with Myles Lewis-Skelly coming in to replace him.
Arteta explained: “It’s something that he felt yesterday [Friday], something very awkward that happened, and today in the warm-up he wasn’t comfortable.”
It seems unlikely that Calafiori will be risked against Villa given the swift turnaround and Lewis-Skelly being available once more.
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Marc Cucurella
Cucurella asked to be substituted during Chelsea’s home defeat to Aston Villa, with Enzo Maresca later confirming that he was feeling some discomfort.
“He was complaining about his hamstring,” said the Blues manager. “We don’t know if it’s an injury now or not. He asked for the change.”
The extent of the problem is yet to be revealed, but it’s unlikely the Spaniard will play against Bournemouth unless he is deemed fully fit.
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Bruno Fernandes
United’s captain is unlikely to participate in their game against Wolves as he continues to recover from a hamstring injury.
Ruben Amorim confirmed the blow in his press conference, saying there was ‘no chance’ of the midfielder taking to the pitch.
He said: “Bruno was already saying that he needs to train, but we don’t know. No chance he’s going to play against Wolves. No chance.”
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Gabriel Magalhaes
The towering defender made his return against Brighton, having been sidelined for a number of weeks after picking up an injury on international duty.
He appeared to get through that game unscathed and should be available to face Villa in a huge boost for the Gunners.
Arteta offered a positive update after the Brighton game, saying: “We got Gabi back earlier than expected, which is great.”
(Image: Getty)