Fantasy Premier League GW 26: Key Injury Updates and Team News
The Premier League is set to return to action with round 26 of its 2024/25 edition. With less than one-third of the season left to play, the points table is starting to take what can be considered its final shape. Manchester City and Liverpool will headline the upcoming matchday. The two teams have been the most successful sides in English football in the past few years. Here is a comprehensive and detailed analysis of the fitness and availability status of the 20 Premier League clubs ahead of matchday 26.
Arsenal
Arsenal will face city rivals, West Ham United on Saturday in the Premier League. Mikel Arteta will be aware that his side cannot afford to drop any more points in the hunt for the Premier League title. Gabriel Jesus, Gabriel Martinelli, Kai Havertz, and Takehiro Tomiyasu will not be available for the Gunners. However, the most significant absence will be Bukayo Saka, who is scheduled to remain on the sidelines till late April.
Aston Villa
Aston Villa has two big upcoming games which can very well decide the overall position of the club in the league table. Villa will host Chelsea on Saturday following a contest with Liverpool at Villa Park. Unfortunately, the injury list is a daunting one for Unai Emery currently. Amadou Onana, Boubacar Kamara, Ezri Konsa, Leon Bailey, Ross Barkley, Matty Cash, and Pau Torres are all injured and ruled out.
Bournemouth
Bournemouth is flying right now and the Cherries have undoubtedly become the team to keep an eye on in the Premier League this term. Julian Araujo, Marcos Senesi, James Hill, Evanilson, Enes Unal and Adam Smith will not be available for selection at the manager’s disposal on Saturday against Wolves.
Brentford
Aaron Hickey (Hamstring Injury), Gustavo Gomes (Back Injury), Thiago Rodrigues (Virus), Joshua Dasilva (Injured), and Rico Henry (Hamstring Injury) will not travel with the rest of the squad to Leicester.
Brighton & Hove Albion
The Seagulls possess one of the longest injury lists in English football currently. Ferdi Kadioglu, Igor Julio, James Milner, Jason Steele, Pervis Estupinan, Solly March, and Lewis Dunk will not be available for selection at the disposal of coach, Fabian Hurzeler ahead of matchday 26.
Chelsea
Chelsea fans will be concerned with how the latest matches have played out. The Blues have completely fallen off the pace in the title race and are barely hanging on to a European spot. To make matters worse, Benoit Badiashile, David Fofana, Gabriel Slonina, Malo Gusto, Marc Guiu, Nicolas Jackson, Noni Madueke, Romeo Lavia, and Wesley Fofana are all sidelined with their respective injury issues.
Crystal Palace
Crystal Palace and Oliver Glasner have overseen the recent games without the presence of Chadi Riad, Chieck Oumar Doucoure, and Joel Ward. The three players will still not be able to return for Palace in the foreseen future.
Everton
Everton has enjoyed a dream run under David Moyes so far. The club has regained hope and fans are once again optimistic of a mid-table finish. Armando Broja (Leg Injury), Dominic Calvert-Lewin (Hamstring Injury), Dwight McNeil (Knee Injury), Iliman Ndiaye (Knee Injury), Nathan Patterson (Hamstring Injury), Orel Mangala (Cruciate Ligament Injury), Seamus Coleman (Muscle Cramps), and Youssef Chermiti (Muscle Injury) will not be involved in matchday 26.
Fulham
Harry Wilson, Kenny Tete, Sasa Lukic, and Reiss Nelson will be the only names not available for Fulham on matchday 26.
Ipswich Town
Ipswich Town is in a dire state when it comes to fulfilling its objective of staying in the Premier League for another season. Chiedozie Ogbene, Christian Walton, Conor Chaplin, Julio Enciso, Leif Davis, Sam Morsy, Sammie Szmodics, and Wes Burns will have to sit out their next matchup against Tottenham Hotspur.
Leicester City
Leicester City’s head coach, Ruud van Nistelrooy will have to select his matchday 26 squad keeping in mind the absence of Abdul Fatawu, Harry Souttar, Odsonne Edouard, James Justin, and Ricardo Pereira.
Liverpool
Liverpool will be have to wary of the recent inconsistencies in the results. The lead at the summit can evaporate easily and complacency is the last thing that the Liverpool fans will want. Joe Gomez, Tyler Morton, and Cody Gakpo are the names on the injury list for the league leaders.
Manchester United
Manchester United fans are in for a disastrous end to the campaign. United supporters will have to gear themselves for one of the worst finishes in the club’s Premier League history. One of the best performers under Ruben Amorim, Amad Diallo has been ruled out for the season due to an ankle injury. Christian Eriksen, Jonny Evans, Kobbie Mainoo, Lenny Yoro, Lisandro Martinez, Luke Shaw, Manuel Ugarte, Mason Mount, and Toby Collyer are also sidelined due to their respective fitness woes.
Manchester City
Erling Haaland complained of issues in his knee against Newcastle United. Pep Guardiola’s comments on his situation were encouraging but there is still uncertainty over his participation against Liverpool. Jack Grealish is another name whose involvement will depend on the green light from the club doctors in the coming days. Manuel Akanji, Oscar Bobb, and Rodri will also not be able to take part for the defending champions.
Newcastle United
Harvey Barnes (Muscle Injury), Jamaal Lascelles (Cruciate Ligament Injury), Joelinton (Knee Injury), and Sven Botman (Knee Injury) will not be available for selection for Newcastle United ahead of matchday 26.
Nottingham Forest
Taiwo Awoniyi is suffering from a concussion and is the only doubt for Nottingham Forest as the players prepare themselves for a trip to St. James’ Park.
Southampton
Adam Lallana (Hamstring Injury), Flynn Downes (Knock), Jack Stephens (Calf Injury), Ross Stewart (Calf Injury), Ryan Fraser (Physical Discomfort), and Taylor Harwood-Bellis (Ankle Injury) will not be able to contribute their services for Southampton against Brighton on Saturday.
Tottenham Hotspur
Tottenham Hotspur and Ange Postecoglou will possess one of the longest injury lists during matchday 26 of the Premier League 2024/25 season. Cristian Romero, Dominic Solanke, Heung-Min Son, Kevin Danso, Micky van de Ven, Richarlison, Radu Dragusin, Rodrigo Bentancur, and Timo Werner, are all battling fitness worries and will not be able to contribute their respective services against Ipswich Town.
West Ham
Unfortunately for West Ham’s new manager, Graham Potter, his early days at the club have coincided with the onset of plenty of fitness issues. Crysencio Summerville, Lucas Paqueta, Michail Antonio, and Niclas Fullkrug are the names currently on the injury list.
Wolves
Wolves manager Vitor Pereira will feel a sense of frustration in light of the recurring injury woes at the club. He will have to select his best XI without the services of Emmanuel Agbadou, Rodrigo Gomes, Sam Johnstone, Enso Gonzalez, Sasa Kalajdzic, Hwang Hee-Chan, Jorgen Strand Larsen, Leon Chiwome, and Yerson Mosquera.