Injuries are a part and parcel of football. Therefore, top tier teams, who are fighting in multiple competitions, have better squad depth as it allows them to counter challenges on multiple fronts. While short term injuries might not have a huge impact, and some tactical tweaking is often enough to overcome the situation, long term injuries require strategic planning to negate their impact and might sometimes derail a whole campaign. As with all things in life, injuries have a domino effect too, impacting the form of other players as they might have to adjust in a different position or adjust with playing with different team mates rather than the ones they were used to. This is doubly true for FPL managers since while teams might cope with injuries at a macro level, FPL managers are more concerned about the micro implications and how these implications might affect their weekly points, either positively or negatively. For example, loss of a defender might mean that a team is unable to keep regular clean sheets but are able to win matches. This would not have a negative effect on the prospects of a team but for a FPL manager this would mean even though the player they own has been playing, they are unable to get the points they expected before selecting them for their team. We have tried to look at the players currently injured for every PL team and what those injuries might mean for the relevant players from FPL point of view. At the same time, we have also taken injuries earlier in the season which have somehow shaped the season for teams so far. For sake of brevity only the players who would have been part of the regular playing XI have been considered and injuries to fringe players have not been considered. Expected return dates have been taken from www.premierinjuries.com.

Bournemouth





David Brooks

Injured Since – 8th August

Expected Return Date – No return date

Brooks had a breakout season last year with 7 goals and 5 assists in 30 appearances. The combination play between Brooks, Fraser and Wilson was a joy to behold and resulted in many goals. Unfortunately, Brooks had to undergo ankle surgery before the season began. While lack of goals for Bournemouth can’t be solely attributed to his absence and correlation is not causation but Bournemouth have scored 6 fewer goals compared to same stage last season and FPL managers have been deprived of one potentially rewarding mid-priced midfielder. Once Brooks comes back into the team again and is quickly up to the speed he might be a nice differential towards the end of the season.

Charlie Daniels



Injured Since – 25th August

Expected Return Date – No return date

For FPL managers, injury to Charlie Daniels has been a blessing since it has led to the emergence of Rico as an assured starter. In any other season, a 4 million starting defender with occasional attacking returns would have elevated Rico to FPL legend status but Lundstram has stolen the thunder from Rico and rightly so. However, for any FPL manager playing with 3 at the back Rico (4.3) might still be an option.

Brighton



Adam Webster

Injured from – 2nd November

Expected Return Date – 21st December

Graham Potter has transformed Brighton from an attritional side to an attacking and entertaining side, there has been improvement in defensive side too. After 12 matches they have kept 1 more cleansheet this season and conceded 1 fewer goal than last season. Adam Webster has been an important part of this transformation and has started in every match from GW 4 till he got injured in GW 11 against Norwich. Though the sample size of 1 match is not enough to form firm opinions, his replacement Shane Duffy looked uncomfortable in his role in the match against Man United as Brighton conceded 3 goals and could have easily conceded 2-3 more. With Lewis Dunk suspended for next match Brighton are unlikely to keep a cleansheet in the next match especially while facing the Leicester team who are in red hot form. Fortunately for FPL managers next set of fixtures for Brighton are atrocious enough that even if someone would have any Brighton defender in the team it is unlikely that they would have been part of the playing XI. Those with Ryan as their sole goalkeepers must rely on save points till the time their fixtures ease up and Webster gets back from injury.

Burnley

Gudmundsson



Injured Since – 19th October

Expected Return date – No return date

Gudmundsson has always been good for 10 goals & assists combined every season. His injury does not seem to have impacted Burnley’s form but once again FPL managers have been deprived of a mid-priced midfielder who could have been an interesting differential.

Chelsea

Antonio Rudiger



Injured Since – 8th Aug

Expected Return Date – 14th December

Chelsea have been a breath of fresh air this season playing exciting football. Interestingly they have scored same number of goals as last season while conceding more than double the number of goals than last season. Injury enforced absence of Rudiger coupled with Kante’s absence is a major contributing factor here. A fit Rudiger would surely have made Chelsea a better defensive unit. At the same time this might have stopped the emergence of Tomori as first team regular and deprived FPL managers of a cheap defender option. Once Rudiger is back and Tomori gets to keep his position, which is the most probable scenario, Tomori would become an even better option.

Ruben Loftus-Cheek



Injured Since – 8th Aug

Expected Return Date – 14th December

While Loftus-Cheek was brilliant in his limited starts last season I am not sure if Loftus-Cheek would be a regular starter in this Chelsea team once he is back from injury. Kovacic is playing brilliantly and there is no other obvious position for Loftus-Cheek in Lampard’s setup. It would be an interesting dilemma to solve for Lampard when Loftus-Cheek is back. And for FPL managers spoilt for choice with mid-priced Chelsea midfielders he would be a delighting differential if he is able to hold down a regular starting spot.

Everton

Jean-Philippe Gbamin



Injured Since – 23rd August

Expected Return Date – 18th January

Gbamin was bought as directly replacement of Idrissa Gueye, he got injured just after two matches and that might not be the sole reason for Everton’s defensive frailty, it is a contributing factor. After keeping 2 cleansheets in the first two matches Everton have kept only 1 more cleansheet in the next 10 matches. For FPL managers it is the impact on Digne’s points which is being more keenly felt, after returning 17 points in first 2 matches Digne has provided 23 points at an average of 2.3 points/match in the next 10. With season ending injury for Gomes Everton defense is almost a no go zone for fantasy managers in the foreseeable future.

Liverpool

Liverpool have had 2 major injury related absence in their team till date. While Alisson was injured in the very first match Matip has been absent after Man United match. Last season Liverpool had a stable defensive unit but this season injury to Alisson in the first match robbed Liverpool of defensive solidity and once Alisson came back Matip got injured. The original band has played together only in 1 match, the 1-1 draw at Old Trafford. As a result after 12 matches this season Liverpool have been able to keep only 2 cleansheets season compared to 7 last season. This has not impacted their points tally and they are in fact 4 points better off than last season at the same stage but for FPL managers this has meant that cleansheet points have been rare from Liverpool. Once again it is the impact on other players which is more concerning for FPL managers. Van Djik has already dropped in price once while TAA and Robertson owners are getting only the attacking points. Cleansheets are the bread and butter of a defender as is evident from the fact that Egan from Sheffield United with zero attacking returns is only 7 points off TAA’s tally who has 5 attacking returns (1 goal and 4 assists).

Joel Matip



Injured Since – 27th October

Expected Return Date – 23rd November

While not getting the same praise as the rest of them Joel Matip has been a vital cog of the Liverpool defensive machine since last season. In the last 3 matches which Matip has missed Liverpool have not kept a cleansheet. For FPL managers Matip’s return can’t come sooner due to expected upside in points for TAA and Robertson as well as a cheaper way into Liverpool defense via Matip.

Manchester City

Laporte



Injured Since -31st August

Expected Return Date –

Man City had the second best defense last season keeping 20 cleansheets and conceding only 23 goals. A major reason for this was the ever present Laporte starting in 34 out of 38 matches. He was the glue which kept the defense together. His injury has massively upset the dynamics of Man City defense. With Pep having no confidence on Otamendi Fernandinho has been forced to slot into defense. Fernandinho is an excellent defensive mid and is doing an okay job as CB but when push comes to shove he has been unable to manage. By this stage last season City had conceded a measly 5 goals keeping 7 cleansheets in the process. They had not conceded more than 1 goal in any of their first 15 matches. This season they have already conceded 13 goals and have conceded 2 or more goals in 4 matches. For FPL managers City defense has become a minefield with no clarity on whom to select and not enough confidence in their ability to keep a cleansheet.

Ederson



Injured Since – 7th November

Expected Return Date – 23rd November

I don’t think Ederson gets the credit he deserves, he is applauded for his passing but for me what he really excels at is sweeping up behind the dodgy Man City defense and making great reflex saves when opposition teams have that rare opportunity. One more thing to keep in mind is the playing style of Man City means that opposition teams have very few shots against them but when the chances do come the way of opposition they are usually of high quality and Ederson excels in pulling off those saves. His absence would be keenly felt by Man City team and consequently by FPL managers since no one believes Bravo can save a shot. Cleansheets would be a rarity for Man City till the time Ederson is back.

Zinchenko



Injured Since – 26th October

Expected Return Date – 7th December

Despite starting 12 matches out of the last 13 matches towards the end of last season Zinchenko has always been considered a stop gap arrangement at left back for City. He was supposed to keep the place till the time Mendy came back. On top of that City brought Cancelo in the fold and he could play as left back. All this meant that Zinchenko was never part of long term plan for any FPL manager and his absence would not have impacted any of us in any way. But continued fitness issues for Mendy and Pep’s strange reluctance to play Cancelo as left back has meant that Angelino has started as left back in the last 2 matches. Watch Fabinho goal once again, Angelino was the nearest man to Fabinho and instead of trying to cover Fabinho he moves towards left back asking Gundogan to cover Fabinho. Angelino might not have been able to block that shot but this action shows his rawness. I am soured of City’s defense and would not have any of those in my team till Laporte gets back, they are likely to present at least couple of chances every match and Bravo is unlikely to save them.

Leroy Sane



Injured Since – 8th August

Expected Return Date – 18th January

As per the rumors Sane would have been sold before start of the season which if true anything I write next would be a moot point. But one way or the other Sane’s absence has had a huge impact for all FPL managers. Sterling has played in all matches exclusively on the left wing providing the width on that side of the pitch. While Sterling’s goal output has increased by 1 goal in compared to last season in first 12 matches, his assist numbers have fallen down from 5 to 1 having played 1 more game this season. The hottest prospect at the beginning of season is steadily losing the confidence of FPL managers and Sane’s absence is a major reason for this.

Manchester United

Luke Shaw



Injured Since – 24th August

Expected Return Date – 24th November

With acquisition of Harry Maguire and Wan-Bissaka during the summer it was assumed that Man United would have a settled defense this season and would keep a fair number of cleansheets. Last season Luke Shaw had his best ever PL season in terms of attacking returns with 1 goal and 5 assist and this season he was supposed to kick on from there. Unfortunately he pulled his hamstring in only the third match of the season against Crystal Palace and has been out since. Ashley Young has once again been part of the United backline which no one enjoys, neither the United faithfuls nor FPL managers. One time winger Ashley Young has 0 goal involvement in 9 starts this season. This has also meant that young Brandon Williams has become the 2nd choice left back for Man United and in fact started last weekend due to suspension enforced absence of Young and he did acquit himself. If he becomes a regular starter, which is highly unlikely since Young is United’s captain, FPL managers might have one more cheap defender in their consideration set.

Paul Pogba



Injured Since – 1st October

Expected Return Date – 7th December

Paul Pogba has many faults but when the mood suits him he really is one of the best midfielders in the world. Despite being much maligned he really had a very good season last season in terms of goals and assists with 13 goals and 10 assists, one of only 4 players with goals and assists in double digits. Pogba is also integral to the way United are set up under Ole with 3 very fast forwards and playing on counter attack. If Pogba is afforded time and space by any opposition he has the ability to spray glorious passes for the forwards to feast upon evident from 2 assists he provided in the season opener against Chelsea. For FPL managers the return of Pogba would make Martial (if he remains fit) even more exciting option. Pogba can also be nice differential once he is back from injury.

Newcastle

Matt Ritchie



Injured Since – 29th August

Expected Return Date – No return date

FPL community was slightly excited about Matt Ritchie before the season began as it was expected that he might play in midfield under Bruce despite being listed as defender in FPL and he was supposed to be Newcastle’s designated penalty taker. The first point was disproved very quickly as Bruce started with 5 at the back with Ritchie at left wing back position. Bruce has played with 5 defenders in all barring one match this season and even when Ritchie comes back he would start in defense in all likelihood. His absence does not seem to have hurt Newcastle as they have performed better than what was expected from them, actually their most embarrassing result of the season (3-1 defeat against Norwich) came with Ritchie in the team. Jetro Willems has deputized for Ritchie and has started 8 of the 9 matches since Ritchie has been injured. Willems has actually proved to be a good FPL asset with 1 goal and 2 assists, he has 42 points till date 2 more than Van Djik despite starting only 8 matches and one substitute appearance. But due to low confidence on Newcastle and general negative sentiments about the team has meant that his ownership is very low (1.9%). Newcastle have very easy fixtures now with only Man City in GW 14 being a tough one Willems can prove to be a good differential for FPL managers till the time Ritchie is back.

Norwich

Klose & Zimmerman



Injured Since – 27th August & 31st August respectively

Expected Return Date – 1st June & 1st December respectively

Any team would suffer if they lost both their starting central defenders and for a team like Norwich which did not recruit many players after promotion loss of Klose and Zimmerman has been a debilitating blow. Norwich has the leakiest defense this season conceding 28 goals in 12 matches. To be fair none of us expected Norwich to keep a lot of cleansheets or be particularly tight at the back. More concerning for FPL managers has been how it has impacted their plans for the forward spot. Teemu Pukki was supposed to be the 2nd/3rd forward for most of the teams after couple of GWs but Norwich’s defensive frailty has impacted their attacking play as is common and Pukki seems to have lost his mojo blanking in last 7 straight matches. This is what happens when teams are unable to defend, attacking players get back to help to help the defense or lose motivation since whatever they do team is bound to lose which means goals become rare. It is uncanny how Norwich’s season is mirroring the PL campaign of Fulham from 2018-19. Both were on almost similar number of points after 6 matches, 5 for Fulham and 6 for Norwich and almost equal number of points in the next 6, 1 for Norwich and 0 for Fulham. Even Pukki’s season seem to be along the same trajectory as Mitrovic, in first 6 GWs Mitrovic had 5 goals compared to 6 for Pukki after which both have scored 0 goals in next 6 matches. Klose is out for the long term, Zimmerman is expected to be back soon. If Zimmerman get back on the pitch and forms a good partnership with Jamal Lewis and consequently Norwich do tighten up at the back and stop leaking the goals Norwich might have a shot of survival and Pukki might become relevant for FPL managers once again.

Spurs

Lloris



Injured Since – 5th October

Expected Return Date – 1st February

Hugo Lloris has been a good servant for Spurs but since past couple of seasons he has become a bit erratic. Though he has remained a regular starter and in many matches has kept Spurs in game with his brilliant saves, he has committed many howlers too. For past couple of seasons there has always remained a suspicion that another error is round the corner for Lloris. Even in the match against Brighton it was his error which led to the goal and his subsequent injury. This season alone Lloris has committed 2 errors leading to goals in 7 appearances. Gazzaniga has been in goals for Spurs since Lloris has got injured and has performed admirably though Spurs have failed to keep a single cleansheet in these matches. The lack of cleansheets has been due to other issues in the squad rather than due to any fault of Gazzaniga. In fact he has been racking up save points, getting 8 points despite conceding 2 goals in the match against Liverpool. Lloris would not be back before the new year and if Spurs somehow improve their performance and that’s a big if Gazzaniga can be a good option for FPL managers.

West Ham United

Fabianski



Injured Since – 28th September

Expected Return Date – 28th December

Fabianski has been one constant source of points for FPL managers for past 3 seasons. Despite keeping less than 10 cleansheets in the last 2 seasons Fabianski has been one of the highest scoring goalkeepers and best value for money goalkeeper. Consequently FPL raised his price to 5.0 this season and he was not as highly owned as previous seasons. With Fabianski in team West Ham were able to keep 3 cleansheets in 6 matches and Fabianski once again was up to his old tricks, he had save point in all but 1 match he completed. Fabianski’s injury has created a headache for West Ham as Roberto, Fabianski’s replacement, has been performing terribly. He already has made 2 errors leading to goals. If West Ham continue leaking the goals, an already forgotten West Ham team from FPL perspective would have even fewer takers than at present (The highest owned West Ham player is Yarmolenko with 4.9%)

Wolves

Willy Boly



Injured Since – 26th October

Expected Return Date – No return date

Conor Coady might be the club captain but it is Willy Boly who is the true leader of Wolves’ defense. The following data perfectly encapsulates Boly’s importance to Wolves.

With Boly expected to be out for a long time I don’t expect Wolves to keep many cleansheets in near future. Without cleansheets even if Doherty provides similar attacking output as last year his increased price point means he would not be the value for money player he was last season.

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