Patrick Bamford (ankle) will definitely miss Leeds United’s Gameweek 6 clash with West Ham United but there is uncertainty surrounding the availability of Raphinha (hip) and Luke Ayling (knee).
Marcelo Bielsa was one of five Premier League managers to face the media on Thursday, with the other 15 top-flight bosses set to hold press conferences on Friday.
We’ll round up the key updates from today’s virtual conference calls so far in the article below. Don’t forget to keep checking our Predicted Line-ups page and Injuries and Bans tab, which will be gradually updated between now and Saturday’s Fantasy Premier League (FPL) deadline.
LEEDS UNITED
There is no timeframe put on Bamford’s recovery just yet but the Leeds striker, along with Robin Koch (pelvis), Diego Llorente (muscle) and Pascal Struijk (suspended), will sit out Gameweek 6.
“Llorente, Koch and Bamford won’t be available. And the rest of them I couldn’t tell you if they will be or if they won’t be.” – Marcelo Bielsa
By the “rest of them”, Bielsa was referring to Jack Harrison (illness/match fitness), Raphinha and Ayling.
“Don’t think I’m holding back information, but the initial response that I gave you: I said that Koch, Llorente and Bamford would not participate. These three cases that you made reference to, they are subject to their evolution on whether that will allow them to participate. If I said that they would definitely play or they weren’t going to play, neither of those things are certain.
“With regards to the protocols, [Harrison] would be in condition to play. But just because the rules say he can does not mean he will be ready to play.” – Marcelo Bielsa
BRIGHTON AND HOVE ALBION
Graham Potter is hopeful that Yves Bissouma (knee) and Alexis Mac Allister (back) will be able to train this weekend and be available for the Crystal Palace match on Monday.
Adam Webster (hamstring) is out until after the international break and Enock Mwepu (groin) is “doubtful”.
“Hopefully, Yves Bissouma can train on Saturday. Adam Webster won’t be available on Monday. Alexis [Mac Allister] was just sore from a knee in the back, while with Enock [Mwepu] we will have to give him today and tomorrow to see where he is.”
“Tariq [Lamptey] had a long time out. We’re delighted with his 45 minutes against Swansea. He looked strong, but we need to be careful with him, he will be in the squad [to face Palace].” – Graham Potter
BURNLEY
Sean Dyche’s team news mostly focused on back-up players, with updates on Wayne Hennessey (ankle), Kevin Long (match fitness) and Connor Roberts (match fitness/groin).
“Big Wayne [Hennessey]… turned his ankle, that’s settling down, so we’ve got a bit more hope in that one. Connor Roberts has got a minor thigh situation on his way back from injury, he wouldn’t have figured anyway, needs a bit more game-time – as does Kevin Long.
Other than that, just a few knocks and bruises, nothing too major.” – Sean Dyche
Dale Stephens (ankle) remains out.
Josh Brownhill (dead leg) has been back on the grass and Dyche had earlier in the week said that the budget FPL midfielder has “got a chance” of featuring against Leicester City.
WATFORD
The Hornets have confirmed that Daniel Bachmann is a doubt for the Newcastle game with a minor knee problem.
Kiko Femenía (muscle) has returned to full training and is in contention, while João Pedro (match fitness) may also be involved.
BRENTFORD
Thomas Frank will face the media at 16:00 BST, and we’ll bring you updates when we get them.
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