David Raya missed the trip to Girona. (Image: Getty)
It’s set to be a frenzied three days in English football in a number of ways. On Monday at 11pm, the transfer window will slam shut with plenty of business still to be done from Premier League clubs.
But amidst it all comes another crucial weekend of action, with Sunday’s clash between Arsenal and Manchester City taking top billing. And FPL managers will be sweating over a number of team selections for game week 24 as a host of clubs weigh-up injury doubts.
Article continues belowADVERTISEMENT
Here, Express Sport takes a look at some of the most-owned players with question marks surrounding them.
Ever since coming on board from Brentford in the summer of 2023, David Raya has been an ever-present between the sticks for Mikel Arteta. So alarm bells were ringing on Wednesday when at the last minute he was omitted from the playing squad to face Girona, with his manager citing a minor injury.
It’s left FPL managers pondering over whether he’ll return for the visit of City. In his press conference on Friday, Arteta failed to give any assurances, with a decision on his No.1 set to be delayed until the 11th hour.
“It’s still uncertain,” he said. “We have another session tomorrow, another 48 hours, so we have to wait and see. It’s a muscular issue so we have to wait and see.”
Despite Arsenal’s forward crisis, a premature return for Bukayo Saka this weekend won’t be happening. Initially fans were hopeful of a return in early February, but his manager has since conceded his star won’t be available until later in the month at the earliest.
Jarrod Bowen
The West Ham forward has been sidelined with a fractured foot since he limped off against Liverpool on December 29. Initially, the 28-year-old was supposed to be out for six weeks, but duly returned to training ahead of schedule and is now in contention to be involved against Chelsea on Monday.
And manager Graham Potter has teased his involvement, saying this week: “Jarrod looks positive. He has a few more days to train, but it’s looking hopeful. He’s trained the last two days.”
Trending
Invalid email
We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our Privacy Policy
Diogo Jota
It seems to be one step forward and two back for Diogo Jota, who has again been clinical this season but also hampered by injury issues. And on Friday, Arne Slot revealed the Portuguese forward was a doubt for the trip to Bournemouth along with Joe Gomez and Darwin Nunez.
"All three are in training today," Slot said. "The question is are they already far enough to join us towards Bournemouth. That's something we have to wait and see today because we have more than 20 players available. We have to make the smartest decision for them and also for winning the game tomorrow."
Given the forward’s injury problems, the smart money would be on his Dutch boss not risking another long lay-off by playing him today.
The Aussie listed a number of players who he expected to be back in training during the next 10 days. But for clarification, he added “apart from Dom” in a tone that was anything but positive.
Radu Dragusin
One Spurs player more likely to fit to face Brentford on Sunday is Radu Dragusin, despite him picking up a knee injury against Elfsborg this week. Postecoglou said it was too early to diagnose the problem, admitting: "We've got to let it settle down. We'll get some more information over the weekend."
