It promises to be another critical week for FPL managers with all 20 Premier League teams in action over three days. The top two meet on Tuesday, with Liverpool travelling to the surprise package of the season, Nottingham Forest.
Wednesday also brings a north London derby at the Emirates, while Manchester United will look to continue their recent revival at home to Southampton on Thursday.
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But there are a number of stars facing a race against time to be fit this week, while others are already ruled out through injury or suspension. And Express Sport runs the rule over the latest fitness concerns for GW21.
It’s been a mixed season for the England winger, despite being one of his side’s best performers with six goals in all competitions. However, he was axed from the squad against Fulham in December for what manager Enzo Maresca called a “technical decision,” leading to speculation over his future.
And eyebrows were raised when the 22-year-old was then left out of Chelsea’s FA Cup win over Morecambe on the weekend. However, FPL bosses can be rest assured he looks certain to return for the home game with Bournemouth on Tuesday after the Maresca explained his non-selection.
“Noni is back and he’s available after illness,” he said in his press conference on Monday. “He’s trained with us and he’s 100 per cent fit for tomorrow.”
Gabriel Jesus is set to be out of action for some time. (Image: Getty)
Romeo Lavia
Much of Chelsea’s drop-off in form has been attributed to the absence of Lavia, who has missed the last four Premier League matches due to a hamstring injury. However, he played 45 minutes in the 5-0 win over Morecambe, with Maresca confirming afterwards he was managing the midfielder’s comeback carefully.
And he’s now confirmed the 21-year-old came through it unscathed, saying: “Yes, Reece (James) and Romeo are okay for Bournemouth, we are very happy for both.”
Gabriel Jesus
The Brazilian striker was stretchered off in the FA Cup defeat to Manchester United on Sunday, and a diagnosis is yet to be confirmed. But it appears inconceivable that Jesus will be available to play against Tottenham, given Mikel Arteta’s immediate post-match assessment.
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“A big worry,” he admitted. “That's my feeling. He had to come off on a stretcher with a lot of pain and touching his knee, so it’s not looking good.”
Darwin Nunez
Despite his poor form in front of goal, the temptation for FPL managers to include Darwin Nunez remains strong, given his capability for producing chaos and spectacular moments. However, he limped out of the FA Cup clash with Accrington Stanley on Saturday, and even if fit, he is not available for selection.
The Uruguayan picked up a yellow card late on against Manchester United last Sunday and was deemed lucky not to be sent off. Regardless, the booking meant a one-game league suspension, and he’ll miss the crucial trip to Forest.
Ruben Dias
Despite back-to-back league wins Manchester City desperately need their defensive talisman back. Dias has been missing since the Manchester derby in December when he picked up a muscle injury.
Before Saturday’s FA Cup game with Salford, Pep Guardiola confirmed the Portuguese star was nearing a return, but wasn’t quite ready for selection. It appears touch and go whether he’ll be in the squad to go to Brentford Tuesday, with a return later on in January looking a safer bet.
