The transfer window finally closed, putting an end to that bout of madness… then we got an international break straight after.
And what do internationals mean? Injuries!
(And, admittedly, a chance for already-injured players to rest up).
This week’s Gameweek 5 news round-up will be heavily injury-focused, with a look ahead to the impending European games bolted-on for good measure. You can still check out our full Gameweek 5 preview for tips on who to buy and sell, and a look at the best upcoming FPL fixtures.
Let’s get to it.
Injuries
Here’s a round-up of all the injuries that actually matter in FPL, and a bit of analysis for each one.
- Trent
He’s officially been ruled-out of this week’s game against Wolves, with a hamstring injury.
Trent’s been incredibly frustrating to own this season. He blanked the first three weeks in a row, got dropped by over 420,000 FPL managers… then obviously got 12pts against Villa.
Klopp’s hoping Trent will be back in two weeks, which would be in time for Gameweek 6. But honestly, who knows?
He’s so expensive that – with this on top of everything – I’d be completely fine dropping him. Trippier – for a massive 1.4 less – is the most obvious replacement, with Newcastle’s nice run of upcoming defensive fixtures.
- Nunez
He started both Uruguay’s games, but got subbed-off at half-time in the second. He arrived on international duty with ‘muscular difficulties’, per Marcelo Bielsa.
Just as he looked to be finally pushing on, this puts a major question mark over Nunez. I probably wouldn’t bring him in right now, especially with all Klopp’s other forward options. If you’ve got him, I guess you have to hold him and pray he either starts this week, or comes back next week.
- Partey
He’ll be out for ages – until at least mid-October.
He wasn’t FPL-relevant, but this should mean that Gabriel starts, and White stays at right-back. Gabriel had his own injury scare for Brazil, but is back in training now.
Honestly, this is probably a good thing for owners of Arsenal defenders. The new system looked very shaky. If Arsenal just get back to playing like they did last season, we’ll hopefully see plenty more of the cleans we enjoyed in 22/23.
- Grealish and Stones
Both are confirmed out for this weekend’s West Ham game.
Pep wasn’t particularly helpful in his presser. It sounds like the Grealish injury is more serious, though… which might be good news for Foden owners.
- L. Martinez
He got injured against Arsenal, and didn’t play for Argentina over the break. Per Ten Haag, it seems he’s fit again now, though.
While we’re on Man United, Mount is definitely out this week, but might be back next week.
- C. Romero and Son
Both had injury scares before or during the break. Both are fit now though, and should start this weekend.
- Evan Ferguson
Just as he was getting going, Ferguson got injured. De Zerbi says he’s back in training… but also said they need to see how he looks before deciding whether he can play against Man U or not.
Keep an eye on this one ahead of the deadline.
- Botman
He missed the last game, but it sounds like he’s back now, according to Howe. If he is, that gives us a very nice 4.5 entry-point into Newcastle’s tasty upcoming fixtures.
Tonali had some ‘muscle fatigue’ during the break, but will presumably be back this weekend.
- DCL
Yep, he’s back. Again.
Let’s see how long it lasts this time!
Suspensions, Bans, Etc.
- van Dijk
As expected, after his post-red card antics, van Dijk got suspended for an extra game during the break. He’ll now return in Gameweek 6.
He’s not worth 6.0 anyway – now’s a good time to bin him, if you hadn’t already.
- Antony
If you’ve been living under a rock during the past fortnight, Antony is in loads and loads of trouble.
He wasn’t an FPL asset anyway (or, arguably, a real-life one), but Ten Haag kept on starting him regardless. With Sancho also on the naughty step, it’ll actually be quite interesting to see who starts for Man U at the weekend. Garnacho would be the best outcome for FPL players, at a cheap, cheap 4.9.
Other
European football is fast approaching, which – as always – will make a whole lot of starting lineups more unpredictable.
Here’s a quick recap of the dates:
- Champions League
The first round of games is next week, on Tuesday and Wednesday. Eek.
- Europa / Conference League
Both competitions also begin next week, between Gameweeks 5 and 6.
- League Cup
Won’t be as impactful, but it’s worth bearing in mind (/cowering in fear of, due to potential injuries). The next round takes place between Gameweeks 6 and 7.