Fantasy Premier League managers have some injuries to contend with as the Premier League returns this weekend for Gameweek 5. The weekend begins with a midday Merseyside derby between Liverpool and Everton at Anfield, presenting an 11am Saturday deadline to FPL bosses. Express Sport runs through some of the big-name injuries and absences to be aware of for GW5…
Alexander Isak (Liverpool vs Everton)
The Premier League’s most expensive signing ever made his debut for Liverpool in their 3-2 Champions League win over Atletico Madrid on Wednesday night. The Swede played 58 minutes at Anfield and Arne Slot admitted in his pre-Everton press conference: “We had recovery yesterday, we’re going to train this afternoon.
“So first of all we have to see how they all feel. What I do know is that Alex did feel his body more maybe than ever before after the 60 minutes he played. “So let’s see how he’s recovered today and then we’ll think about the line-up and you will hear it tomorrow.” That would suggest Isak will be forced to settle for minutes from the bench against the Toffees.
Bukayo Saka (Arsenal vs Man City)
Mikel Arteta refused to rule Bukayo Saka out of facing Manchester City when Arsenal welcome their title rivals to the Emirates on Sunday. The winger has been sidelined since the 5-0 win over Leeds due to a hamstring injury picked up against the Whites.
Asked about Martin Odegaard, Ben White and Saka, the Spanish coach replied: “If there is a chance, it will be after tomorrow’s sessions because they haven’t done anything yet. We will have more information tomorrow. Everything has been modified so far for them and there are still a few things to clear. Tomorrow we will have more information as to whether they are part of the squad or not.”
William Saliba (Arsenal vs Man City)
Another who could feature for Arsenal, Saliba was forced off injured against Liverpool, missed the win over Nottingham Forest and was an unused substitute in Bilbao in midweek. But he may return alongside Gabriel Magalhaes to try and keep Erling Haaland quiet. Arteta said on Friday: “Let’s see. He’s been carrying an injury, he’s done really well to be available for the last match and he’s really pushing it. We will decide tomorrow who is the best to start.”
Omar Marmoush (Arsenal vs Man City)
Man City are set to be without the services of Egyptian attacker Omar Marmoush against Arsenal due to a knee injury he picked up on international duty over the break. Pep Guardiola said: “We have to make the last tests. A few weeks. Before the next international break, he will be ready.” That means he could return at the start of October.
Ismaila Sarr (West Ham vs Crystal Palace)
Oliver Glasner has confirmed Ismaila Sarr will play no part for Crystal Palace away at West Ham. He was withdrawn with a muscle problem against Aston Villa at the end of August but will “start to train with us on Sunday after the West Ham game”, Glasner said in his press conference before the trip to the London Stadium. That could see him return against Liverpool at Selhurst Park next weekend.
Dominic Solanke (Brighton vs Tottenham)
Tottenham seem set to welcome Dominic Solanke back into the fold imminently after an ankle injury. Thomas Frank revealed the centre-forward, who hasn’t featured since the win at Man City last month, is “progressing forward” and returning to the grass earlier this week. Solanke will play no part this weekend against Brighton, though, or against Doncaster in the Carabao Cup in midweek.
Anthony Gordon (Bournemouth vs Newcastle)
After scoring against Barcelona in the Champions League in midweek, Newcastle will again be without Anthony Gordon against Bournemouth. The winger is serving the final match of a three-game suspension for his red card against Liverpool. He has already missed the draw against Leeds and the win over Wolves.
Content Source: www.express.co.uk