Kevin de Bruyne and Samir Nasri return to full training ahead of Man City’s trip to Bournemouth. Liverpool’s Philippe Coutinho will be assessed after a long-haul flight back from Paraguay, whilst Arsenal stopper Petr Cech is optimistic of returning this weekend.

Midfield boost for Pellegrini

Kevin De Bruyne and Samir Nasri returned to full training on Wednesday, boosted their chances of being passed fit for the trip to Bournemouth this weekend. In addition, Fabian Delph could be available for the Sky Blues’ Champions League encounter with Paris Saint-Germain next Wednesday. Meanwhile, Martin Demichelis has been charged by the FA for placing bets on football matches.

The Scout Says: De Bruyne’s imminent comeback could act as the catalyst for a Man City offense that posted blanks in three of their last four match-ups. Assuming the Belgium international is available for the Vitality Stadium clash, Fantasy managers who are adopting a Gameweek 33 wildcard strategy might be tempted to snap him up prior to the Sky Blues’ double Gameweek 34 (che & new). Taking his time of absence (two months) and City’s Champions League matches into account, though, it remains to be seen whether his minutes will be managed by Manuel Pellegrini. As for Demichelis’ situation, Dan Gosling breached the same rule (E8) in 2014 and was forced to pay a £30,000 fine, which suggests that the Argentine centre-back will escape a ban.

Coutinho to be assessed

Due to his long-haul flight back from South America, Philippe Coutinho is set to be assessed on Thursday to determine his fitness ahead of Tottenham Hotspur’s visit two days later.

The Scout Says: Although Coutinho had to negotiate a 13-hour journey following Brazil’s 2-2 draw against Paraguay, the fact he clocked just 23 minutes across Selecao’s two fixtures works to his advantage with regards to potential fatigue. Roberto Firmino – who’s also a doubt for the Spurs clash with a minor hamstring knock – remains the choice route into Liverpool’s attack because of his recent form (three goals and assists in four starts), yet Coutinho (three goals in five across all competitions) is also courting attention as the Reds prepare for nine fixtures in the final nine Gameweeks. Despite the fact that Daniel Sturridge scored in his last two league starts, the former Chelsea man’s pockmarked injury record renders him a rotation risk during a seven-day stretch in which Liverpool embark on a trio of fixtures.

Cech hopeful on Hornets return

Petr Cech is confident that he’s on track to shake off a calf injury in time for Arsenal’s home tie against Watford this weekend:

“I should be fine after the national team break. It’s nothing serious. I’m still motivated and excited for each training [session].”

The Scout Says: Following a three-match spell that yielded seven goals for their opposition, Arsenal produced a resolute performance at Goodison Park last time out, surrendering just five shots inside the box and zero big chances. Consecutive shut-outs could well be on the cards, too, considering that the Hornets drew seven blanks in their previous 10 outings. Looking forward to the Gunners’ double Gameweek 34 (CRY & WBA), their stellar home record (10 goals conceded) and the lacklustre nature of West Bromwich Albion’s and Crystal Palace’s attacks (both rank in bottom six for goals since Gameweek 20) promotes investment in their rearguard. On that note, Cech (5.9) represents the cheapest secure option in light of the fact that Nacho Monreal (5.8) and Gabriel Paulista (4.3) are slight rotation risks.

Shaw nears training return

Luke Shaw is aiming to re-join Manchester United’s training sessions within the next seven days.

The Scout Says: The severity of Shaw’s injury (broken leg) should ensure that the Southampton academy product is afforded several weeks to rehabilitate. As such, reports indicate that Louis van Gaal has challenged Shaw to get fit for a potential FA Cup final on 21 May, implying that he’s unlikely to start another league match this term. Ultimately, his absence reduces the competition for places at the left-back berth, which has been occupied by Marcos Rojo for the Red Devils’ last four outings. Van Gaal will certainly be reluctant to displace the Argentine defender, given that Man United recorded six clean sheets in his nine league starts. Although he remains a slight rotation risk, Rojo’s pricing (5.0) makes him an intriguing prospect for an excellent double Gameweek (AVL, CRY) for those prepared to gamble, given that Chris Smalling comes in at 6.5 and has a single assist to his name this term.

Mixed news for Potters

Shay Given has recuperated from a knee complaint and is desperate to be selected for Stoke City’s upcoming home clash against Swansea City:

“I haven’t spoken to the manager yet about Saturday. It is an opportunity for me to get on the plane (to France) like the rest of the boys. I feel I could play at the weekend – it has given me a lift and I had a buzz in training today.”

Elsewhere on the Potters’ injury front, Ryan Shawcross (back) is struggling to recover before the weekend, though Erik Pieters (calf) is expected to be in contention. Jon Walters, meanwhile, is reportedly set to undergo minor knee surgery in order to be fit for Euro 2016.

The Scout Says: Given’s (4.3) budget price point would pique our interest if it wasn’t for the unforgiving nature of Stoke’s schedule (SWA, liv, TOT, mci) and their lack of a double Gameweek in the closing stages. Moreover, Shawcross’ continued absence gives us little faith in a defence that recorded just one clean sheet in the last seven matches he sat out – incidentally, that solitary shut-out arrived when Newcastle, who chart bottom for away goals (seven), made the trip to the Britannia Stadium.