James and I were both a bit annoyed with the timing of the international break, since we had enjoyable Gameweek 8’s. Our letter of complaint is en route to Gianni Infantino as we speak.
In the meantime though, we have had the internationals. As usual, that means new injuries to deal with! We’ve covered all of those below, plus a quick look at the upcoming European games.
Last but not least, don’t forget to check out James’ full FPL Gameweek 9 preview, if you haven’t already.
(Also, if you play FPL Draft, we posted a full update of our rankings this week. That can basically serve you as a trade value list, if you’re weighing up some moves).
Injuries
It’s amazing how quickly you can get out of touch with football, even after only a couple of weeks off. As such, I’ve bolted on the longer-term injuries that have been around for a while, in addition to the newer ones picked up on international duty.
(Note: The other major news this week is obviously Sandro Tonali’s impending suspension. He wasn’t FPL-relevant anyway, nor are Newcastle’s other central midfield options, but… worth noting that he’s going to be out for a very, very long time).
Short-Term / Returning Soon
- Saka – Basically, who knows! He’s still carrying an injury, but obviously the chances are that he’ll just play anyway. Between the injury and the fixture I wouldn’t buy him this week regardless
- Saliba – Minor injury. Should play against Chelsea
- Reece James – He could be involved as early as this week. Obviously we’re not gambling on him yet, but he could be an option again from Gameweek 10 forwards (before his inevitable next injury)
- Isak – Still carrying an injury, and didn’t train this week. Very frustrating from an FPL perspective – he’s one of the few very good forwards, but there are constantly question marks about him
- Botman – ‘Improving’, apparently, but that presumably means he won’t be starting this weekend
- Gakpo – Back in training, after two games out, and should be fit for this weekend
- Varane / Reguilon – Should both be back this weekend
Mid to Long-Term
- Robertson – Painful injury on internationals. He’ll be out for weeks, if not longer
- De Bruyne – Pep says he’ll be back ‘sooner than expected’. That’s still not especially helpful… but could mean he’s back before Christmas
- Estupinan – Out for ‘a long time’. No idea when he’ll be back
- Awoniyi – Shouldn’t be out too much longer. He’ll likely be back in training next week. Should hopefully return by GW10-11
- Barnes – Out until the new year. Gordon’s place is locked-in for months
- Chilwell – Another hamstring injury for him. Likely out at least two months
- Eze – We’re probably looking at around a mid/late November return. Annoyingly that means he’ll probably miss a couple of Palace’s nice upcoming fixtures, but should be back for a few before the brutal run of games thereafter
- Nkunku – Back in the gym, per his Insta. Could be back before Christmas
- Shaw – Still no fixed return date. No time soon
- L. Martinez – Out until the new year
- Alex Moreno – Still struggling, and not returning any time soon. Digne’s place is safe for now
European Fixtures
The games are, as they say, coming thick and fast now.
European football is returning immediately, as soon as next week. We’ve got a full slate of Champions League games on Tuesday and Wednesday, then Europa League and Conference League on Thursday.
There’s then a week’s break, before the fourth round of European games. They run from Tuesday 7th – Thursday 9th November.
Obviously, the main concern here is possible injuries. These games are also worth bearing in mind when you’re considering players though, with those who face competition in their positions a possible rotation threat. I wouldn’t base a transfer decision on that entirely, but it’d definitely be a factor between two options that seem on roughly the same level.