25 Oct, 2024

Game Week 9: Injury Watch

Gameweek 9 Injury Watch

Ricardo Calafiori (£5.8m – DEF)

Calafiori was forced off with a knee injury during the Champions League match against Shakhtar Donetsk on Tuesday. He missed Friday’s training, and reports from Italy suggest it’s a minor MCL sprain that will sideline him for a few weeks, though it’s not expected to be long-term.
Estimated return: 23rd November vs Nottingham Forest
Start, hold or replace: Replace
Potential replacements: Gvardiol (£6.1m), Konate (£5.3m), Aina (£4.5m)

Bukayo Saka (£10.0m – MID)

Saka was absent from the portion of Friday’s training open to the media. Arteta commented, “He’s done a bit of training on the grass. How far we can get him before Sunday, that’s another question.” Given his lack of involvement in full team training, it’s unlikely he’ll start on Sunday, though he may be on the bench. With fixtures against Liverpool, Newcastle and Chelsea coming up, we recommend replacing him if you can.
Estimated return: 2nd November vs Newcastle
Start, hold or replace: Replace
Potential replacements: Palmer (£10.9m) , Foden (£9.2m), Mbuemo (£7.6m)

Jurien Timber (£5.5m – DEF)

Timber also missed Friday’s training, and the upcoming Liverpool game may be too soon for his return. “Friday was the first session he could have some involvement… We thought he’d be further ahead,” indicating he’s still not match-ready.
Estimated return: 2nd November vs Newcastle
Start, hold or replace: Hold
Potential replacements: N/A

Danny Welbeck (£5.9m – FWD)

Welbeck sustained a back injury that forced him off during the game against Newcastle. Manager Fabian Hurzeler said, “It’s still too early to tell if he can play, but he will train today and we’ll decide after.” There’s a chance he could play, but Hurzeler might opt for caution and start Evan Ferguson against Wolves.
Estimated return: 2nd November vs Liverpool
Start, hold or replace: Hold
Potential replacements: N/A

Yankuba Minteh (£5.4m – MID)

Minteh picked up a minor muscle injury while on international duty with Gambia. It’s not serious, but he’ll miss the game against Wolves.
Estimated return: 2nd November vs Liverpool
Start, hold or replace: Replace
Potential replacements: McNeil (£5.8m), Smith Rowe (£5.7m), Rogers (£5.4m)

Diogo Jota (£7.4m – MID)

Liverpool manager Arne Slot confirmed that Jota will miss the upcoming game against Arsenal. “He feels good but not enough to play this weekend,” Slot said.
Estimated return: 2nd November vs Brighton
Start, hold or replace: Replace
Potential replacements: Johnson (£6.7m), Mbeumo (£7.6m), Diaz (£7.9m)

Jeremy Doku (£6.3m – MID)

Pep Guardiola confirmed that Doku will be out for “a little longer than Jack (Grealish),” likely meaning 2–3 weeks on the sidelines, which could keep him out until after the November international break.
Estimated return: 23rd November
Start, hold or replace: Replace
Potential replacements: Johnson (£6.7m), Kulusevski (£6.2m), Smith Rowe (£5.7m)

Jack Grealish (£6.4m – MID)

Grealish is expected to be out for about 7 to 10 days, according to Guardiola, who commented, “Hopefully, Jack will be one week to 10 days.”
Estimated return: 9th November vs Brighton
Start, hold or replace: Replace
Potential replacements: Johnson (£6.7m), Kulusevski (£6.2m), Savio (£6.5m)

Morgan Gibbs White (£6.3m – MID)

Gibbs White faces a game-time decision for Forest’s match against Leicester on Friday due to an ankle injury. With Forest playing the earliest game of the weekend, owners should be cautious about starting him. Wolves manager Nuno Espirito Santo said, “It’s a day-by-day process… He’s better today, so let’s hope he’s even better tomorrow.”
Estimated return: 2nd November vs West Ham
Start, hold or replace: Replace
Potential replacements: Kulusevski (£6.2m), Rogers (£5.4m), McNeil (£5.8m)

Heung-Min Son (£9.9m – MID)

Son missed Spurs’ Europa League game against AZ Alkmaar midweek, and manager Ange Postecoglou has confirmed he’s unlikely to be fit for the weekend clash with Crystal Palace. Postecoglou added, “Sonny is still not right or feeling 100%… He won’t train today and is unlikely for the weekend.”
Estimated return: 3rd November vs Villa
Start, hold or replace: Replace
Potential replacements: Mbeumo (£7.6m), Johnson (£6.7m), Diaz (£7.9m)

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By: Ahsan Ejaz

Last Updated: 25/10