After a week off because of the FA Cup, all 20 Premier League clubs return to action this weekend. It also means for the first time in just under two weeks, Fantasy Premier League managers will face some dilemmas.
Just 11 game weeks remain of the 2024/25 season, meaning managers will be scrambling around for all the points they can get their hands on. And ahead of GW28, Express Sport have detailed all the latest injury news from across the Premier League involving the FPL big-hitters.
Alexander Isak
It would be natural for Eddie Howe to have one eye on next weekend’s League Cup final against Liverpool, especially given the Newcastle United boss confirmed the club isn’t appealing Anthony Gordon’s red card. Isak has struggled for fitness at times during his Newcastle career and despite being subbed during their defeat against Brighton in the FA Cup, Howe revealed on Friday that Isak is fit and ready to go for Monday night’s visit to West Ham United.
Jean-Philippe Mateta
After being rushed to the hospital following his collision with Millwall goalkeeper Liam Roberts, Jean-Philippe Mateta has unsurprisingly been ruled out of this weekend’s clash with Ipswich Town. The striker is said to have avoided a serious injury, but as per a Crystal Palace club statement, he will now “rest and recuperate over the following days”, but could be back for the FA Cup quarter-finals.
Cody Gakpo
With eight goals and three assists in the Premier League this season, Cody Gakpo is understandably a favourite of FPL managers. But anybody with the Dutchman in their team might be forced into a last-minute rethink, given Arne Slot revealed the Liverpool ace is likely to miss Saturday’s visit of Southampton after not training on Thursday due to an ankle problem.
Dominic Solanke
It was a brief return to action for Dominic Solanke, who came off the bench during Tottenham’s Europa League clash with AZ Alkmaar on Thursday, before hobbling back off the pitch moments later. Ange Postecoglou suggested the striker had only picked up a slight knock and was hopeful it would have settled down before Sunday’s meeting with Bournemouth.
Anthony Gordon
A needless red card against Brighton means Gordon will sit out Newcastle’s next three matches. That starts with the trip to West Ham and will include the League Cup final vs Liverpool as well as a meeting against Brentford at the start of April.
Matheus Cunha
Similarly, Matheus Cunha will also begin a three-match ban for violent conduct this week. The Wolves striker picked up a red card in their FA Cup defeat against Bournemouth over the weekend.