29 Dec, 2024

Game Week 19: Injury Watch

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Mark Flekken (GK – £4.5m):

Flekken was subbed off in the first half of Brentford’s game against Brighton in Gameweek 18 with a knee injury. Manager Thomas Franks only update was that “On both Flekken and Mee, we have no real update… We’ll know more tomorrow when we really assess them. Hopefully, the injuries aren’t too big.”

It would seem unlikely that Flekken is available for Brentford’s Gameweek 19 matchup against Arsenal. Given Brentford’s poor defensive performance this season, while now having multiple injured defenders, it would be wise to move on from Flekken, long-term injury or not.

Estimated return: Unknown

Start, hold or replace: Replace

Potential replacements: Arrizabalaga (£4.5m), Henderson (£4.5m) or Sels (£4.8m)

Danny Welbeck (DEF – £5.6m):

Welbeck is set to be sidelined with his ankle injury until at least Gameweek 20 and likely beyond. After confirming Welbeck will not play again in 2024, he spoke in more detail on his injury revealing “He has suffered during his career with a lot of injuries, so it’s very important that he has a good feeling when he steps on the pitch. He hasn’t had this positive feeling, this feeling of improvement.”

The fact Welbeck still does not feel 100%, along with Brighton looking to protect him from re-injury, indicates he may be out a few more weeks.

Estimated return: Gameweek 21 vs Ipswich

Start, hold or replace: Replace

Potential replacements: Raul (£5.5m), Delap (£5.6m) or Strand Larssen (£5.6m)

Iliman Ndiaye (FWD – £5.4m):

Ndiaye went off with a calf injury in Everton’s draw against Man City in Gameweek 18 after scoring the equaliser. Sean Dyche said he is “hopeful” for Ndiaye’s availability for Gameweek 19’s matchup against Nottingham Forest.

Ndiaye reposted Everton’s Instagram account’s post reading “Back at Goodison for Sunday – for our final match of 2024.” This could indicate his removal was precautionary and Dyche’s hopes will be rewarded.

Estimated return: Gameweek 19 vs Nottingham Forest

Start, hold or replace: Replace

Potential replacements: Raul (£5.5m), Delap (£5.6m) or Strand Larssen (£5.6m)

Emile Smith-Rowe (MID – £5.4m)

Prior to Fulham’s game against Chelsea, Marco Silva suggested Smith-Rowe would be available for their Gameweek 20 matchup against Bournemouth. Now Silva is indicating there is more doubt around Smith-Rowe’s availability, stating “We don’t know yet. It’s a decision we are going to take on Saturday as we have another session.”

With Smith-Rowe’s lack of production and availability in doubt, he is a player fantasy managers will want to move on from.

Estimated return: Gameweek 19 vs Bournemouth

Start, hold or replace: Replace

Potential replacements: Enzo (£5.1m), Amad (£5.4m) or Iwobi (£5.8m)

Jamie Vardy (FWD – £5.6m):

Leicester City Manager Ruud Van Nistelrooy informed the media that “Jamie (Vardy) has a good chance, hopefully he can make it” regarding his availability for Gameweek 20.

Estimated return: Gameweek 19 vs Man City

Start, hold or replace: Start

Potential replacements: N/A

Ederson Moraes (GK – £5.3m):

Ederson was not fit to face Everton in Gameweek 19 which indicates he will likely miss out against Leicester. Ortega is a more than capable back-up and possibly the future number 1. Given City’s woeful defensive performance of late, moving on from any and all City defensive assets is the way to go.

Estimated return: Gameweek 20 vs West Ham

Start, hold or replace: Replace

Potential replacements: Sels (£4.8m), Pickford (£5.0m) or A. Becker (£5.4m)

Tino Livramento (DEF – £4.5m):

Livramento is set to return from illness in Gameweek 19.

Estimated return: Gameweek 19 vs Man United

Start, hold or replace: Start

Potential replacements: N/A

Max Kilman (DEF – £4.4m):

Hammers Manager Julian Lopetegui conceded that “With Max Kilman, we have to wait, but I am not optimistic with him” regarding Kilman’s availability to face Liverpool. Ideally, avoid owning Defenders from West Ham regardless of injury, given their poor defensive performance this season.

Estimated return: Unknown

Start, hold or replace: Replace

Potential replacements: Andersen (£4.2m), Hujisen (£4.4m) or Murillo (£4.6m)

Lukas Fabianski (GK – £4.1m):

Fabianski is very unlikely to be available to face Liverpool in Gameweek 19 after suffering a serious head injury against Southampton. Fabianski likely suffered a concussion which can keep players out multiple weeks.

Estimated return: Gameweek 21 vs Fulham

Start, hold or replace:

Potential replacements: Areola (£4.2m), Arrizabalaga (£4.5m) or Henderson (£4.5m).

Matheus Cunha (FWD – £7.1m):

There were false reports that Cunha had received a 5 game ban from the FA. While the investigation is ongoing and Cunha could still face a ban, he is currently available to play in Gameweek 19.

Managers who held Cunha made the correct decision – continue to do so until the ban is confirmed.

Estimated return: N/A

Start, hold or replace: Start

Potential replacements: N/A

Written by Ahsan Ejaz

Last updated: 29/12/24

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