FPL injury news as Chelsea suffer major blow and Man Utd change likely

Reaction to the VAR decision that cost Wolves a penalty against Man Utd | Football Digest

The new Premier League season is approaching its second gameweek, but FPL managers need to stay on their toes. The likes of Erik ten Hag, Mauricio Pochettino and Mikel Arteta are set to continue experimenting with their line-ups until they land on the perfect recipe, although widespread injury issues don’t make their jobs any easier. With that, Express Sport takes you through the latest injury updates ahead of this weekend’s action…

Major Chelsea worry

Pochettino attempted to ease fans’ concerns after the 1-1 draw with Liverpool on Sunday, with club captain Reece James substituted in the final 10 minutes. “He was tired,” insisted the Argentine. “We didn’t want to take any risks.”

It has since emerged, however, that James reportedly underwent a hamstring scan on Thursday. The flying right-back missed a huge chunk of last season due to similar issues, which doesn’t bode well for his chances of featuring against West Ham.

Elsewhere in the Blues’ squad, long-term absentees Wesley Fofana, Trevoh Chalobah, Marcus Bettinelli, Christopher Nkunku, Benoit Badiashile and Armando Broja are still out.

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Man Utd change likely

Lisandro Martinez was substituted at half-time against Wolves on Monday night. Many presumed it was because he had been given a tough time by Matheus Cunha and picked up a yellow card, but Ten Hag subsequently confirmed that a ‘little problem’ had been picked up in his ankle tendon.

The Dutchman went on to clarity that he ‘does not think’ it will be a big deal, and Martinez has been assessed this week. It would not be a surprise to see the Red Devils plump for Victor Lindelof alongside Raphael Varane at centre-back as a result.

Kobbie Mainoo, Amad Diallo and Tyrell Malacia are all long-term absentees for United, while Rasmus Hojlund is expected to make his debut towards the end of the month.

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Mikel Arteta provides positive update

Oleksandr Zinchenko could soon be in competitive action for the Gunners after missing pre-season through injury. Arteta has confirmed that the Ukrainian is back in full training and will be available for selection ‘very soon’.

The left-back’s return to the pitch can’t come soon enough for Arsenal, who have suffered a painful setback by losing Jurrien Timber – potentially for the whole season – after the Dutchman damaged his ACL against Nottingham Forest.

Gabriel Jesus, Albert Sambi Lokonga and Mohamed Elneny are also out for the Londoners.

City suffer ‘big blow’

In a major development for FPL managers everywhere, Kevin De Bruyne has been hit with a hamstring injury which could keep him out for the rest of the calendar year. The Belgian has been one of the most productive players in the Premier League over the past few seasons, and Pep Guardiola has described his absence as a ‘big blow’.

It remains to be seen exactly who City phase into their midfield to fill De Bruyne’s boots. Phil Foden started in a central role against Sevilla on Wednesday night, while Bernardo Silva should be back in action imminently once he recovers from a short illness.

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