It’s almost time for the next round of the Premier League, and even as the new year approaches, the games are still happening fast. The match between Arsenal and Aston Villa is the one to watch, but Sunderland’s home game against Manchester City could also be one to watch. All 20 teams will be playing over the next two nights, but a number of top players have injury concerns, creating a dilemma for FPL managers.
Express Sport has provided a list of popular players who may not be available for Gameweek 19…
julian timber
The defender missed Arsenal’s recent win over Brighton & Hove Albion after picking up a knock in the Carabao Cup win over Crystal Palace.
“At the end of the[Palace]game, he felt something and couldn’t continue, so he was sent off,” manager Mikel Arteta said afterwards.
Timber has since taken a week to recover and it remains to be seen whether he is fit enough to play against Villa.
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Riccardo Calafioli
Arsenal’s left-back was removed from their starting XI just before kick-off against Brighton and he was replaced by Miles Lewis-Skelly.
“That’s how he felt yesterday (Friday). Something very awkward happened and today in the warm-up he wasn’t comfortable,” Arteta explained.
Given the quick turnaround and Lewis Skelly being available again, it seems unlikely that Calafioli will take a risk against Villa.
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marc cucurella
Cucurella asked to be substituted during Chelsea’s home defeat to Aston Villa, but Enzo Maresca later admitted he was feeling uncomfortable.
“He was complaining about his hamstring,” the Blues manager said. “Right now I don’t know if it’s an injury or not. He asked to be replaced.”
The extent of the problem is not yet clear, but the Spaniard is unlikely to play against Bournemouth unless he is deemed fully fit.
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Bruno Fernandes
The United captain is unlikely to feature in the match against Wolves as he continues to recover from a hamstring injury.
Coach Ruben Amorim acknowledged the blow in a press conference, saying there was “no chance” the midfielder would be on the pitch.
“Bruno has already said he needs to train, but we don’t know. There’s no chance he’ll play against Wolves. There’s no chance,” he said.
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Gabriel Magalhães
The tall defender was sidelined for several weeks with an injury sustained in an international match, but returned against Brighton.
He appeared to come through that game unscathed and should be a big boost for the Gunners to face Villa.
After the match against Brighton, Arteta gave a positive update, saying, “It’s great to have Gabi back earlier than expected.”
(Image: Getty)
