In the latest of our weekly series, I’ll be bringing you the news from every Premier League Press Conference that impacts your FPL team selection for the upcoming gameweek 8

Stoke:

Joe Allen (5.3) has been ruled out of the match against Manchester City with Hughes stating the following;

“He won’t be available unfortunately. “You can’t take any risks with [concussion], and we have to follow the protocol”

Jese (5.8) is fine [after missing the win over Southampton due to family reasons] “but is more likely to figure next week.”

Martins Indi (5.0) “is progressing really well” in his recovery from a groin strain “although tomorrow may come too soon.”

Ryan Shawcross (4.9) “is improving” although there is no timeline on his return. ” He’s torn a muscle in his back which needs time to heal.”

Bournemouth:

Howe says Callum Wilson (5.9) “needs more time” but he is progressing really well. “The signs are good for the future.”

Bournemouth will have to make a late decision on Josh King’s (7.2) availability ahead of their game against Tottenham;

“I don’t think he is a long-term absentee but I’ll have to make a late decision.”

Watford:

Prödl (4.4) is “still in doubt” following the hamstring injury he picked up on International duty in September.

Kaboul “is out” of the Arsenal game.

Leicester:

Jamie Vardy (8.6) is looking sharp following his recovery from a hip problem and looks ready for their match against West Brom;

“He had injections and was given time away. There’s no ill effects.”

It’s Vardy time.

Robert Huth (4.9) however, [foot] remains sidelined.

Huddersfield:

Wagner says Mounie (5.9) has an “outside” chance of making the squad.

Mounie [heel] is training with the team but Wagner insists he does not want to rush him back.

Arsenal:

Sanchez (11.9) will be checked on his return “he comes back tomorrow.”

Mustafi (5.4) has been confirmed to miss 4-6 weeks.

Kolašinac (6.0) has a little hip problem and the boss only had the following to say about it;

“He had a little hip problem but overall I haven’t seen him yet. I will make a check up this morning, but the news we have on him is quite positive.”

The ending to this statement provides owners with some optimism, but having a strong bench could prove pivotal in having a good gameweek 8.

Liverpool:

Sadio Mané (9.4) could miss up-to six weeks after sustaining a hamstring injury whilst on international duty.

Jürgen Klopp reports there are no additional injury concerns following the international break.

Interestingly to us FPL managers, Klopp also mentions the following on Salah’s (9.2) additional responsibilities for the team;

“I would say in this moment he is our number one penalty taker.”

And with that, completely ends any previous interest held in Bobby Firmino – time to say goodnight Vienna.

Man City:

Pep on Aguero’s (11.5) return;

“He had his first training session and he did quite well. Maybe he could be back for tomorrow.

Pep admits that Sergio is not 100%, but he has definitely recovered well from his rib injury. If I had to guess, I would say that the Stoke game comes too soon for the little Argentine as Pep will want to ensure his Striker’s longevity with the games coming thick and fast.

Pep confirms however, that Kompany (5.9) has been ruled out;

“He is still injured although he’s much much better. He will let us know when he’s ready.”

Chelsea:

Despite the positive images Morata (10.3) was releasing on his Instagram, suggesting that he could be back sooner than first believed, he and Kante (5.1) [both hamstring] are out. Drinkwater (4.9) is not ready either.

Chelsea hope Morata can be ready for their Champions League match against Roma but Kante needs to have a scan next week.

Initial tests reveal Kante [hamstring] could be missing for around 20-25 days “but another scan is needed to understand more.”

Michy Batshuayi (8.1) is “in contention” to start against Crystal Palace tomorrow. This comes after the news of Morata being confirmed out.

Crystal Palace:

Wilfred Zaha (6.7) is positioned to return against Chelsea this weekend;

“Wilfried Zaha has trained for two weeks. There’s no reason why he shouldn’t be in contention to play.”

This could potentially prove great news for FPL managers given the serious lack of options in that price bracket however, we still need to see Palace score some goals for us to even consider bringing Zaha in and with RLC and Benteke currently out, it’s hard to see them improving in that department just yet, but Zaha will certainly improve their attacking output and should be central to any goals they do manage to score.

Manchester United:

Marouane Fellaini (4.9) has been ruled out of their match against Liverpool with a knee problem.

There was no mention of Jones (5.2), which suggest that he’s positioned to start in the showdown at Anfield tomorrow.

Romelu Lukaku (11.8) is also reported fit and available for their match against Liverpool, to the delight of owners.

This is the first real test for United and a chance for us to view how they will set up in these so-called “bigger” games. Will they play like last year with a view to simply not losing and park the figurative bus, or will Mourinho be a little more adventurous this time round with the all-round fire power United now possess? We’ll soon find out.