In this piece, we will provide a comprehensive overview of the crucial injury updates that may impact Fantasy Premier League (FPL) managers as they approach the deadline for Gameweek 22 on Tuesday.
We’ll delve into the latest team news gathered from the Midweek FA Cup Press Conferences, offering insights into the predicted lineups for each team based on the available information.
Nottingham Forest
Nottingham Forest’s team news remains largely unchanged, with Anthony Elanga, Morgan Gibbs-White, Felipe, Taiwo Awoniyi, and Divock Origi expected to miss the FA Cup tie against Bristol City. Gibbs-White and Awoniyi have specified recovery periods, with the former’s availability for Gameweek 22 uncertain due to a two-week prognosis. Awoniyi is engaged in individual training but is unlikely to feature until February.
Forest is heavily impacted by international duty, with players like Serge Aurier, Ibrahim Sangaré, Willy Boly, Ola Aina, Moussa Niakhaté, and Cheikhou Kouyaté representing their nations. Nuno Tavares (On loan from Arsenal) is eligible for the Bristol City match but cannot play against his parent club, Arsenal, in Gameweek 22.
Predicted XI: Turner, Montiel, Omobamidele, Murillo, Toffolo, Mangala, Danilo, Nicolás Domínguez, Gibbs-White, Nicolás Domínguez, Wood.
Arsenal
Arsenal, after a comfortable 5-0 victory over Crystal Palace, faces a challenging away fixture against Nottingham Forest following their early FA Cup exit. Despite recent struggles, Bukayo Saka aims to revive his form, having contributed to only one goal in his last six games. Arsenal’s attacking options are in good health, allowing Mikel Arteta to field a strong lineup. In terms of player availability, Jurrien Timber is sidelined for months with an ACL injury, Fabio Vieira is expected back in early February after groin surgery, and Thomas Partey might return in February after missing the Africa Cup of Nations. Mohamed Elneny and Takehiro Tomiyasu are unavailable due to their international commitments.
Predicted XI: Raya Martin, White (Ben), Saliba, Gabriel, Zinchenko, Odegaard, Rice, Havertz, Saka, Jesus, Martinelli.
Also Read: Top five captaincy picks in FPL Gameweek 22
Luton Town
Luton Town faces the continued absence of Issa Kabore, engaged in the Africa Cup of Nations with Burkina Faso, and Mads Andersen, recovering from a minor calf injury. Marvelous Nakamba (knee) and Tom Lockyer (health) remain sidelined with long-term issues. Jacob Brown is back from suspension after accumulating yellow cards in Gameweek 21, while Jordan Clark was banned for the FA Cup but will be eligible for Premier League selection next week.
Predicted XI: Kaminski, Mengi, Osho, Bell, Ogbene, Barkley, Sambi Lokonga, Doughty, Brown, Adebayo, Townsend.
Brighton
Brighton’s Igor Julio is back in contention after an Achilles injury, but Ansi Fati remains unavailable despite returning to training due to a muscle concern. Joel Veltman, Solly March, and Julio Enciso are still sidelined with knee injuries, while Simon Adingra and Kaoru Mitoma are on international duty. Although Tariq Lamptey made a substitute appearance in Gameweek 21 after returning from injury, Roberto De Zerbi clarified that the injury-prone full-back isn’t yet ready for a starting XI role.
Predicted XI: Steele, Van Hecke, Dunk, Estupiñán, Hinshelwood, Gros, Gilmour, Milner, Buonanotte, Welbeck, João Pedro.
Fulham
Fulham’s injury concerns are limited to Adama Traore, who is about a week or two away from returning due to a hamstring issue. On the international duty front, three squad members—Fode Ballo-Toure, Alex Iwobi, and Calvin Bassey—are currently away. Apart from Traore, the team enjoys relative fitness, ensuring a near-full squad for upcoming fixtures.
Predicted XI: Leno, Castagne, Tosin, Diop, Robinson, João Palhinha, Cairney, De Cordova-Reid, Pereira, Willian, Raúl Jiménez.
Everton
Everton faces a growing injury list as André Gomes is likely to miss the FA Cup clash with Luton Town, pending assessment. Seamus Coleman (hamstring), Abdoulaye Doucoure (hamstring), and Ashley Young (muscle) are set to sit out Saturday’s tie at Goodison Park. Although Young played for the under-21s on Wednesday, his first-team participation remains uncertain. Dele Alli (groin) continues his absence, and Idrissa Gueye remains unavailable due to international duty. The mounting injuries pose challenges for Everton as they navigate upcoming fixtures.
Predicted XI: Pickford, Patterson, Tarkowski, Branthwaite, Mykolenko, Harrison, Garner, Mvom Onana, Danjuma Groeneveld, McNeil, Calvert-Lewin.
Crystal Palace
Crystal Palace faces multiple injury setbacks with Nathan Ferguson (hamstring) scheduled for surgery and a prolonged spell on the sidelines. Jesurun Rak-Sakyi (hamstring) has suffered a setback, likely resulting in a long-term absence, while Cheick Doucoure (Achilles) is anticipated to miss the rest of the season after a rupture at Luton. Rob Holding (ankle) may be out for a month due to a ‘grumbling’ injury. Sam Johnstone (calf) is expected to miss the upcoming game, awaiting a definitive diagnosis, and Joel Ward (hamstring) is sidelined for an indefinite period. Jordan Ayew and Michael Olise (hamstring) are unavailable due to their involvement in international competitions.
Predicted XI: Henderson (Dean), Clyne, Andersen, Marc Guehi, Mitchell, Richards (Chris), Lerma, Ayew (Jordan), Eze, Schlupp, Mateta.
Sheffield United
Sheffield United’s team news is predominantly positive, with Chris Basham (leg) and John Egan (leg) being the only long-term absentees due to injury. Although George Baldock isn’t seriously injured, he will continue to be sidelined for another two weeks. Rhian Brewster faces suspension. On the recovery front, Tom Davies (thigh) and Max Lowe (muscle) are nearing returns. Additionally, Yasser Larouci and Anis Ben Slimane are making their way back from the Africa Cup of Nations following their countries’ eliminations, providing a boost to the squad’s overall fitness and options for upcoming fixtures.
Predicted XI: Foderingham, Bogle, Ahmedhodzic, Robinson, Trusty, Hamer, Vinicius Souza, Brooks, McAtee, McBurnie, Brereton.
Aston Villa
Aston Villa grapples with ongoing injury concerns as the Pau Torres (ankle) situation persists, with Unai Emery confirming the center-half’s return setback. Bertrand Traore (international duty), Tyrone Mings (knee), and Emi Buendia (knee) continue to be unavailable. Lucas Digne (hamstring) is expected to return in about a week, while Jacob Ramsey (hamstring) could make a comeback in either Gameweek 22 or 23. The defensive setbacks and player unavailability pose challenges for Aston Villa as they navigate the upcoming fixtures in the Premier League.
Predicted XI: Martinez, Konsa N’Goyo, Diego Carlos, Lenglet, Álex Moreno, Bailey, Kamara, Douglas Luiz, McGinn, Tielemans, Watkins.
Newcastle United
Newcastle United anticipates the potential return of Jacob Murphy (shoulder) from injury, offering a positive development. Callum Wilson (calf), Joe Willock (Achilles), and Harvey Barnes (toe) are also nearing a comeback. However, Joelinton (quad), Sandro Tonali (banned), Nick Pope (shoulder), Elliot Anderson (back), and Matt Targett (hamstring) remain unavailable. Joelinton, who underwent surgery, faces a lengthy absence until May. Manager Eddie Howe addressed transfer speculation surrounding Joelinton, Kieran Trippier, Miguel Almiron, and Callum Wilson in Friday’s press conference, providing insights into the ongoing rumors during the winter break for Newcastle United.
Predicted XI: Dubravka, Trippier, Schär, Botman, Burn, Miley, Bruno Guimarães, Longstaff (Sean), Almirón, Isak, Gordon.
Manchester City
Manchester City are on the verge of welcoming back Erling Haaland (foot), with the striker being “close” to a return. However, he won’t be featured against Tottenham Hotspur in Friday’s cup tie. Manager Pep Guardiola, in the embargoed section of Thursday’s press conference, expressed optimism that Haaland would “hopefully… play some minutes” in Gameweek 22 against Burnley. On the injury front, Manuel Akanji remains sidelined with an unspecified issue, but Ederson (knock) and John Stones (ankle) are back in contention. Additionally, Guardiola confirmed that Kevin De Bruyne is ready to start, echoing his remarks ahead of Gameweek 21.
Predicted XI: Ederson, Walker, Rúben Dias, Aké, Gvardiol, Rodri, Kovacic, Bernardo Silva, Foden, Doku, Álvarez.
Burnley
Burnley faces some uncertainty regarding player availability. Charlie Taylor’s (shoulder) status is described by Vincent Kompany as “probably more chronic than acute,” leaving his participation as a game-day decision. Jordan Beyer (knock) is anticipated to return for the Luton game. Lyle Foster (foot) has been seen training this week, providing a potential boost. Luca Koleosho (knee) is ruled out with a serious setback, expected to return later in the season. Hjalmar Ekdal (undisclosed) remains unavailable after a setback in training. The defensive challenges pose considerations for Burnley as they navigate upcoming fixtures in the Premier League.
Predicted XI: Trafford, Vitinho, O’Shea, Ekdal, Al Dakhil, Berge, Brownhill, Gudmundsson, Amdouni, Odobert, Rodriguez.
Tottenham Hotspur
Tottenham Hotspur receives a boost as James Maddison (ankle) is available for selection after a week of training, with manager Ange Postecoglou indicating that Maddison is “ready to start.” Dejan Kulusevski has recovered from illness, while Ben Davies (hamstring) and Dane Scarlett (unspecified) are in early stages of returning to training, and Ryan Sessegnon is set to follow suit. The injury list is relatively short, with only Giovani Lo Celso (hamstring), Manor Solomon (knee), Alejo Veliz (knee), and Alfie Whiteman (ankle) remaining unavailable. Son Heung-min, Yves Bissouma, and Pape Matar Sarr are still on international duty.
Predicted XI: Vicario, Porro, Romero, Van de Ven, Destiny Udogie, Kulusevski, Bentancur, Maddison, Johnson (Brennan), Richarlison, Werner.
Brentford
Brentford managed to break their streak of five consecutive losses in Gameweek 21, setting the stage for a favourable matchup against struggling Spurs. Despite underperforming their expected goals (xG) this season, the return of Ivan Toney suggests an upturn in goal-scoring opportunities for Brentford. The underlying numbers indicate their unfortunate 12-goal underperformance in expected goal difference (xGD) for the season, leaving them 9 points behind their expected points (xPoints). This clash with Tottenham, on the other hand, pits an unlucky Brentford against a remarkably fortunate Spurs side.
In terms of availability, key players like Rico Henry, Kevin Schade, Aaron Hickey, Bryan Mbeumo, Sergio Reguilon, Yoane Wissa, Frank Onyeka, and Saman Ghoddos have various injury concerns or international commitments, impacting Brentford’s squad depth.
Predicted XI: Flekken, Collins, Pinnock, Mee, Roerslev, Jensen, Norgaard, Janelt, Lewis-Potter, Toney, Maupay.
Liverpool
Liverpool faces a mixed bag of injury updates as Trent Alexander-Arnold (knee) is yet to fully train with the team, but Jurgen Klopp remains optimistic about his potential inclusion in the weekend’s cup clash with Norwich City. Andrew Robertson (shoulder) and Dominik Szoboszlai (hamstring) are also potential inclusions. Kostas Tsimikas (collarbone), Stefan Bajcetic (calf), and Thiago Alcantara (hip) are eyeing February returns, while Ben Doak (knee) and Joel Matip (knee) remain long-term absentees. Wataru Endo is away at the Asian Cup. Klopp’s statements on Mohamed Salah reiterated previous sentiments, maintaining a level of continuity in updates regarding the Egyptian international.
Predicted XI: Alisson, Alexander-Arnold, Konaté, Van Dijk, Robertson, Szoboszlai, Mac Allister, Jones (Curtis), Díaz, Diogo Jota, Núñez.
Chelsea
Chelsea receives positive updates on Christopher Nkunku (hip) and Malo Gusto (muscle), as both have joined team training for the reconditioning phase. While they won’t feature in the FA Cup tie against Aston Villa, Mauricio Pochettino suggests their availability for Gameweek 22. Trevoh Chalobah (hamstring) is back in training and nearing a return to playing contention. In contrast, Romeo Lavia, Lesley Ugochukwu, Reece James, Marc Cucurella, Robert Sanchez, and Wesley Fofana remain sidelined. Nicolas Jackson is away on international duty, and Ben Chilwell, though off the injury list in January, continues to manage ongoing fitness concerns.
Predicted XI: Petrovic, Disasi, Thiago Silva, Colwill, Chilwell, Moises Caicedo, Fernández, Palmer, Gallagher, Sterling, Broja.
Also Read: Five Best Forwards to Pick in FPL Gameweek 22
West Ham United
West Ham United faces key absences as Said Benrahma and Vladimir Coufal are suspended due to red cards, while Mohammed Kudus (Ghana) and Nayef Aguerd (Morocco) are on international duty at AFCON. The Hammers are further depleted with the unavailability of Lucas Paqueta and Michail Antonio due to injuries, presenting a challenge for their upcoming fixtures.
Predicted XI: Areola, Johnson (Ben), Mavropanos, Zouma, Emerson, Álvarez, Ward-Prowse, Kudus, Soucek, Fornals, Bowen.
Bournemouth
Bournemouth faces an injury dilemma as Max Aarons, Adam Smith, Tyler Adams, and Ryan Fredericks are all on the sidelines with hamstring and calf issues ahead of the FA Cup tie against Swansea City. Dango Ouattara remains away on international duty. On a positive note, Milos Kerkez (foot) might make a return after participating in training this week. Marcos Senesi returns from suspension, bolstering the defensive options, and Antoine Semenyo is en route back from the Africa Cup of Nations following Ghana’s early elimination, providing a potential boost to the squad.
Predicted XI: Neto (Murara), Cook (Lewis), Zabarnyi, Senesi, Kelly, Christie, Scott, Tavernier, Kluivert, Sinisterra, Solanke.
Wolverhampton Wanderers
Wolverhampton Wanderers approach their cup tie against West Bromwich Albion with minimal injury concerns, with Pablo Sarabia being the only minor worry due to a calf knock. Despite this, Gary O’Neil anticipates the Spanish winger’s fitness for the match. The squad receives a boost with Rayan Ait-Nouri’s return after Algeria’s early exit from the African Cup of Nations. However, five other players remain unavailable for non-injury reasons. Joao Gomes concludes a three-match ban, Jonny Otto is on the verge of a move to PAOK, and Boubacar Traore, Hwang Hee-chan, and Justin Hubner continue their international duties.
Predicted XI: José Sá, Kilman, Dawson, Toti, Semedo, Lemina, Doyle, Ait Nouri, Sarabia, Neto (Pedro), Matheus Cunha.
Manchester United
Manchester United faced a series of challenges ahead of their FA Cup clash against Newport County. Goalkeeper Altay Bayindir started the match, with Andre Onana possibly returning for Gameweek 22 if Cameroon exits the Africa Cup of Nations. Sofyan Amrabat is also away at AFCON, while Anthony Martial undergoes a two-month recovery after groin surgery. Tyrell Malacia, Mason Mount, and Victor Lindelof remain unavailable, while Marcus Rashford and Jonny Evans are recent concerns due to illness. On a positive note, Harry Maguire and Luke Shaw were seen in training and participated in a behind-closed-doors friendly, indicating their potential return.
Predicted XI: Bayindir, Dalot, Varane, Martínez, Shaw, Mainoo, Eriksen, Garnacho, Bruno Fernandes, Rashford, Højlund.