DREAM TEAM brings you all the latest injury, suspension and availability news ahead of Gameweek 8 in one easily digestible dose.
Mikel Arteta’s press conference was eagerly anticipated by Dream Team managers worldwide as doubts over several Arsenal players unfolded during the international break.
In regards to Bukayo Saka, who is the third-most popular player in the game at present, the Gunners’ head coach said: “Not a serious injury, he’s evolving really well. We are hopeful.”
The Spanish tactician was slightly less optimistic about Kai Havertz’s chances of making the trip to Bournemouth but did not rule the German forward out, saying: “He had a few issues… if he trains well today [he will be involved].”
Late decisions will also be made on Gabriel Martinelli, Ben White, Jurrien Timber and Oleksandr Zinchenko – all are considered doubts at this stage.
Kieran Trippier has suffered a hamstring injury and will be unavailable for “a few weeks” according to Eddie Howe – Tino Livramento is therefore in line to start at right-back for Newcastle at home to Brighton on Saturday.
The Magpies may also be boosted by the return of Alexander Isak with the Sweden international in contention for selection having returned to training.
Howe plans to be more protective over Callum Wilson following the striker’s return to training, telling journalists: “Callum has trained but we will continue to assess it day by day. We need to make sure it is the right time when we re-enter him into the group.”
Kobbie Mainoo is expected to be sidelined until after the next international break in November.
The Manchester United midfielder initially felt something during his side’s 3-0 defeat to Tottenham at the end of September and pulled out of England’s Nations League squad after playing 85 minutes against Aston Villa.
The teenager is likely to miss the Red Devils’ next seven games.
Manuel Ugarte is also due for assessment after he was forced off late in the game for Uruguay against Ecuador.
In more positive news for the Old Trafford faithful, Noussair Mazraoui has been declared available by Erik ten Hag, to the surprise of many supporters and pundits.
The Moroccan defender underwent minor heart surgery during the international break and there were initial fears he might be out for a while but he’s seemingly ready to play this weekend.
Elsewhere, Arne Slot listed Alexis Mac Allister, Wataru Endo and Kostas Tsimikas as players who need to be assessed following international break concerns.
The Dutchman also confirmed that Caoimhin Kelleher will deputise for Alisson while the Brazilian goalkeeper recovers over the next few weeks.
Chelsea have a clean bill of health ahead of their trip to Anfield but first-choice defenders Wesley Fofana and Marc Cucurella are suspended.
Reece James may make his first appearance of the season.
Ange Postecoglou was happy to report that Son Heung-min and Richarlison are likely to make Spurs’ squad for their home game against West Ham this Saturday lunchtime.
“It’s a real positive for us,” said the Australian coach. “Sonny was always, hopefully, going to get through this international break really well and be ready. And Richy’s done some good work so hopefully both will be available for the weekend.”
Morgan Gibbs-White is injured and suspended for Gameweek 8 with James Ward-Prowse also set to serve a one-game ban following his dismissal at Chelsea before the break.
Mats Selz wasn’t mentioned among Nottingham Forest’s absentees despite concern among fans ahead of Monday night’s meeting with Crystal Palace.
As for the Eagles, Oliver Glasner is hopeful he’ll be able to call upon regular starters Adam Wharton and Daniel Munoz, who have progressed well this week.
Meanwhile, Pep Guardiola doesn’t expect either Kevin de Bruyne or Nathan Ake to feature against Wolves although the latter might travel with the squad to Molineux.
Manuel Akanji and Manchester City’s Brazilian contingent need to be checked today but there are no known concerns of note at this stage.
Jan Paul van Hecke, Georginio Rutter and Simon Adingra are all available for Brighton but Joao Pedro, Adam Webster and Matt O’Riley remain out.
Solly March’s return is still being carefully judged by Fabian Hurzeler’s staff with the midfielder having been sidelined for almost a year.
Robin Olsen is said to be Aston Villa’s only absentee which implies Tyrone Mings, Boubacar Kamara, Amadou Onana, Ezri Konsa, Jacob Ramsey, Jaden Philogene and John McGinn will all travel to Fulham.
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ARSENAL
Injuries: Kieran Tierney, Oleksandr Zinchenko (doubt), Martin Odegaard, Ben White (doubt), Jurrien Timber (doubt), Gabriel Martinelli (doubt), Kai Havertz (doubt), Bukayo Saka (doubt)
Suspensions: None
ASTON VILLA
Injuries: Robin Olsen
Suspensions: None
BOURNEMOUTH
Injuries: None
Suspensions: None
BRENTFORD
Injuries: Aaron Hickey, Igor Thiago, Josh Dasilva, Yoane Wissa (doubt), Gustavo Nunes, Mathias Jensen, Rico Henry
Suspensions: None
BRIGHTON
Injuries: Solly March (doubt), Matt O’Riley, James Milner (doubt), Joao Pedro, Adam Webster
Suspensions: None
CHELSEA
Injuries: None
Suspensions: Wesley Fofana, Marc Cucurella
CRYSTAL PALACE
Injuries: Matheus Franca, Chris Richards, Cheick Doucoure (doubt)
Suspensions: None
EVERTON
Injuries: Nathan Patterson, Jarrad Branthwaite (doubt), Youssef Chermiti, Armando Broja, Tim Iroegbunam, James Garner
Suspensions: None
FULHAM
Injuries: Carlos Vinicius, Jorge Cuenca, Sasa Lukic (doubt), Timothy Castagne
Suspensions: None
IPSWICH
Injuries: Jens Cajuste, Axel Tuanzebe, Massimo Luongo
Suspensions: None
LEICESTER
Injuries: Patson Daka, Jakub Stolarczyk, Hamza Choudhury
Suspensions: None
LIVERPOOL
Injuries: Harvey Elliott, Federico Chiesa (doubt), Alisson,
Suspensions: None
MANCHESTER CITY
Injuries: Nathan Ake, Oscar Bobb, Kevin De Bruyne, Rodri
Suspensions: None
MANCHESTER UNITED
Injuries: Luke Shaw, Leny Yoro, Tyrell Malacia, Kobbie Mainoo, Harry Maguire, Manuel Ugarte (doubt)
Suspensions: None
NEWCASTLE
Injuries: Callum Wilson, Lewis Miley (doubt), Jamaal Lascelles, Sven Botman, Matt Targett (doubt), Kieran Trippier, Martin Dubravka
Suspensions: None
NOTTINGHAM FOREST
Injuries: Danilo, Ibrahim Sangare
Suspensions: Morgan Gibbs-White, James Ward-Prowse
SOUTHAMPTON
Injuries: Gavin Bazunu, Ross Stewart
Suspensions: Jack Stephens
TOTTENHAM
Injuries: Wilson Odobert, Lucas Bergvall (doubt)
Suspensions: None
WEST HAM
Injuries: Niclas Fullkrug
Suspensions: None
WOLVES
Injuries: Sasa Kalajdzic, Enso Gonzalez, Boubacar Traore, Bastien Meupiyou (doubt), Yerson Mosquera, Hwang Hee-chan
Suspensions: None
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
