The 13 remaining pre-Gameweek 3 manager press conferences take place today – and we’ll be bringing you the key Fantasy Premier League (FPL) team news updates here.
This is a ‘live’ article, so it’ll be updated as and when manager quotes become available. Keep refreshing for the latest news!
For the headlines from the seven pressers held already, read our Thursday round-up here.
And for everything else you may need ahead of Saturday’s deadline, there’s our FPL Gameweek 3 guide.
Don’t forget, too, that there’s still 40% off Premium Membership! Get access to all the tools, a transfer planner, exclusive articles, Opta and Statsbomb data and much more by signing up today – and lock in the price of your Membership for life.
KEY TEAM NEWS UPDATES FROM FRIDAY
FRIDAY’S PRESS CONFERENCE TIMES
LIVERPOOL
Curtis Jones is the only injury concern that Liverpool have ahead of Sunday’s clash at Old Trafford.
Having sat out the win over Brentford, the midfielder also looks set to miss Gameweek 3 with a minor injury.
“At the moment there are not any other injuries except for Curtis Jones and he will not train with us today. The rest will train with us today.” – Arne Slot
The Reds’ only new arrival thus far has been Federico Chiesa.
On the prospect of him making his Liverpool bow this weekend, Slot suggested it wasn’t likely.
“He’s going to train with us today but it’s a bigger chance that he is not in the squad for Sunday than he is.
“If injuries come up in the upcoming two days we might need him. I don’t expect him to be in but I cannot guarantee this.
“He works really hard on and off the pitch to try to get the best out of him, and he combines this with scoring goals and, like I said, really aggressive without the ball – those are already two characteristics with him. He can play in so many positions: on the right, on the left and maybe even in the middle. It makes him an interesting signing for us.
“We should take care of him in the beginning because he didn’t train with the team in the last two weeks – but before he did. [He] hasn’t played many game minutes yet but we have a very good performance staff, so we will build him up in the right way and then hopefully we can see his quality in the near future.” – Arne Slot on Federico Chiesa
NEWCASTLE UNITED
Jamaal Lascelles (knee), Sven Botman (knee) and Lewis Miley (back) are out long term for the Magpies, with Callum Wilson (back) a shorter-term absence but still sidelined.
Fabian Schar completes the third game of a three-match ban on Sunday, too.
Sandro Tonali, who has served a 10-month suspension, is available again and made his return against Nottingham Forest in the EFL Cup.
Joe Willock limped out of that match with a thigh injury but Eddie Howe said an early scan has returned “relatively good news”.
“Joe had a scan yesterday, which is an early scan. Usually we’d leave it a little bit longer. Relatively good news, I don’t think it is a serious injury but it is early. We will re-scan again in a few days again just to confirm that. But it doesn’t look too bad at the moment.” – Eddie Howe
BOURNEMOUTH
David Brooks (shoulder) has returned to training after a lengthy lay-off, while Andoni Iraola is hopeful of having Enes Unal (toe) back after the international break.
That leaves only Tyler Adams (back) on the long-term injury list.
There was no word on Philip Billing, who missed out on the EFL Cup defeat to West Ham United with a back issue.
Max Aarons is fine after illness, however.
“I think everyone that was involved the other day against West Ham has finished the game well. Probably they are a little bit tired because we played not a lot of hours ago but no, I think we can even recover Max Aarons, who wasn’t involved because he was ill. So, I think Max will be able to come with us and no, there are no other new injuries.” – Andoni Iraola
SOUTHAMPTON
We didn’t get much in the way of team news from Russell Martin ahead of this weekend’s game.
Gavin Bazunu (Achilles) is the only long-term injury that the Saints have, with Kamaldeen Sulemana and Ross Stewart both back in training and only lacking match fitness.
Adam Lallana and Juan Larios made their own returns to the matchday squad in midweek.
Martin did say that, having made 11 changes for the midweek win over Cardiff City, some of the second string have impressed him.
“I think two or three of the players really staked a claim. Of course, there is that discussion about Brentford away, but I think if we feel they’ve done well enough and they’re ready to play then they should be able to play anywhere.
“I think two or three were outstanding. There were a lot of good performances on the pitch and a lot of things to be happy about. A lot of them playing their first game for us.
“Two or three players really staked a claim and could make a difference for us on the pitch tomorrow for sure.” – Russell Martin, via the Daily Echo
The Saints boss is also hoping to get Aaron Ramsdale over the line in time for the trip to Brentford.
“The hope is that he’s registered in time to be involved tomorrow and to train this morning.” – Russell Martin on Aaron Ramsdale
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