We’ve got all the big Fantasy Premier League (FPL) injury news from Friday’s pre-match press conferences in this ‘live’ article.
A total of nine Premier League managers will face the media today but there could also be embargoed quotes from six other pressers released.
Five managers faced the media on Wednesday and Thursday, with the notable information here.
KEY UPDATES FROM FRIDAY’S PRESSERS
FRIDAY’S PRESS CONFERENCE TIMES
Gameweek 18 press conference schedule
| Straight after GW17 (GW18 section embargoed till later) | Wednesday 28 December | Thursday 29 December | Friday 30 December |
| Vieira Emery Jones Potter ten Hag Marsch |
Rodgers | Cooper Klopp Frank Moyes |
Howe Lampard Guardiola Lopetegui O’Neil De Zerbi Silva Conte Arteta |
NEWCASTLE UNITED
Eddie Howe was positive-sounding when asked about Callum Wilson‘s availability after illness, although the Newcastle boss did stop short of declaring him available for selection.
“Callum’s improved, he trained with us yesterday, so he’s in a better place.
“We’ll see how he gets through today [before deciding if he makes the squad].” – Eddie Howe
Emil Krafth (knee), Alexander Isak (thigh) and Jonjo Shelvey (calf) remain out, while Howe also reported a few “niggles within the squad” after the win over Leicester City.
MANCHESTER CITY
There was little team news in the broadcast section of Pep Guardiola’s pre-match presser, save for confirmation from the City boss that Julian Alvarez wouldn’t return to first-team contention until the New Year.
Ruben Dias is expected to remain out with a hamstring injury, meanwhile.
EVERTON
Dominic Calvert-Lewin (knee/shoulder/hamstring) is back in training and available for selection, while Conor Coady also returns to the squad after being ineligible to face Wolverhampton Wanderers on Boxing Day.
“He’s in the squad. We’ll see (whether he starts)” – Frank Lampard on Dominic Calvert-Lewin
James Garner (back) and Andros Townsend (knee) will definitely miss Gameweek 18, while Yerry Mina will have a “low-level” hamstring injury assessed after he came off against Wolves.
Frank Lampard also reported that a few payers were “slightly unwell” in Friday’s presser, although didn’t name names.
ASTON VILLA
Diego Carlos (Achilles) and Jacob Ramsey (hamstring) are still sidelined but Emiliano Martinez is expected to return to the starting XI after his post-World Cup breather, having resumed training this week.
“Olsen was very good and I am so happy with him. Emiliano coming back, he will have to try and adapt again to the new way with us. Many congratulations to him but we are here thinking one step ahead about our club, Villa. Of course, he needs to adapt so quickly again.
“He is going to be available physically, and his mentality we are going to check. Hopefully, he will be coming 100% focused for Villa. We have to try and use him again to try and be positive – using his energy and mentality to help us.” – Unai Emery on Emi Martinez
Unai Emery’s pre-match presser, filmed straight after the Liverpool game, was otherwise predictably short on team news.
WOLVERHAMPTON WANDERERS
There was positive news from Julen Lopetegui’s pre-match press conference is all good, with Boubacar Traore and Jonny both available again and Daniel Podence declared fit after coming off injured on Boxing Day.
Pedro Neto (ankle), Sasa Kalajdzic (knee) and Chiquinho (knee) remain on the long-term injury list
BOURNEMOUTH
The virus sweeping around the Cherries has affected manager Gary O’Neil, with assistant Tommy Elphick taking Friday’s presser.
Elphick said the injury news was “as we were” from the Chelsea game, with a few late calls to be made.
