The Premier League returns this weekend with a slate of crucial fixtures, and the managerial press conferences are delivering a wave of team news that will significantly impact both the on-pitch battles and the decisions of millions of Fantasy Premier League managers. From the early kick-off at Anfield to the final whistle, the availability of star players is a dominant narrative.
The headline fixture, Liverpool versus Chelsea, is already overshadowed by significant injury concerns for the hosts. Manager Arne Slot will be without talisman Mohamed Salah, who remains sidelined with a minor thigh issue. While the club expects him to return for the season's final stretch, his absence is a major blow. The goalkeeping situation is also precarious, with first-choice Alisson Becker yet to resume full training and backup Giorgi Mamardashvili ruled out with a knee injury. Slot is due to provide further updates in his Friday press conference, but the Reds will need to navigate this marquee match without several key figures.
Chelsea, meanwhile, are dealing with their own defensive headaches. Goalkeeper Robert Sanchez and defender Jesse Derry are both unavailable after suffering head injuries in Monday's defeat to Nottingham Forest. There is some positive news, however, as Levi Colwill and Reece James have both completed a full week of training, bolstering the backline. The status of forwards Pedro Neto and Alejandro Garnacho remains doubtful, leaving manager Enzo Maresca with selection puzzles to solve ahead of the trip to Merseyside.
For FPL managers, the absence of Salah elevates the importance of other Liverpool assets. Cody Gakpo (£7.3m) has been in prolific form, racking up five shots in Gameweek 35 and ranking second among midfielders for goal attempts over the last four gameweeks. Chelsea's Moises Caicedo (£5.7m) is a historical differential, having claimed 10 points in the reverse fixture thanks to a goal and maximum bonus. Forward Joao Pedro (£7.5m) is also in scintillating form, netting his 15th goal of the season last week, with nine of those coming in his last 12 appearances.
The Brighton versus Wolves match presents a mixed bag of returns and setbacks. Brighton welcome back Solly March and James Milner from muscular issues, but will be without full-back Mats Wieffer, who suffered an ankle injury at Newcastle. Wolves' goalkeeping crisis deepens, with Jose Sa a doubt due to a new ankle issue, while Sam Johnstone is out for the season. Ladislav Krejci could return from a neck problem, with head coach Rob Edwards set to confirm team news later on Friday.
FPL eyes will be on Brighton's Jack Hinshelwood (£5.1m), who has thrived in a No. 10 role with two goals and one assist in his last five matches. Striker Danny Welbeck (£6.3m) has also been productive, amassing 27 points from three goals and an assist in the same period. For Wolves, budget defender Hugo Bueno (£4.3m) leads the club for chances created this season (37) and supplied an assist last time out.
Elsewhere, Fulham host Bournemouth with both sides managing returns. Fulham's Tete could feature after being an unused substitute, and Emile Smith Rowe is expected to recover from cramp. Bournemouth receive a major boost with Justin Kluivert back in contention after over four months out following knee surgery. The game comes too soon for Lewis Cook. Fulham's Harry Wilson (£5.9m) has been a home specialist, with no midfielder scoring more goals (four) in the last six home matches. Bournemouth's Eli Junior Kroupi (£4.6m) is their top scorer with 12 goals, four in his last five outings.
The Sunderland versus Manchester United clash sees a significant return for the visitors. Defender Lisandro Martinez is available again after serving a three-match suspension. However, doubts persist over Benjamin Sesko's shin issue, with manager Michael Carrick offering no update. Sunderland will be without Dan Ballard for the remainder of the season after his red card appeal was dismissed. United's Bruno Fernandes (£10.4m) is chasing history, with his 21 assists this season just four shy of the all-time FPL record.
Manchester City's midfield metronome Rodri is once again a doubt due to a persistent groin injury ahead of their match with Brentford. Defenders Ruben Dias and Josko Gvardiol have returned to training, with Pep Guardiola set to provide full details. Brentford's Jordan Henderson and Vitaly Janelt are making progress but are likely late decisions. City's Erling Haaland (£14.6m) continues to lead the scoring charts with 25 goals, while Rayan Cherki (£6.6m) has been a creative force with 12 assists.
Finally, Aston Villa will be without midfielder Amadou Onana for their trip to Burnley due to a calf issue. Burnley's caretaker coach Mike Jackson will give a team news update. Villa's Morgan Rogers (£7.5m) has been far more effective on the road, averaging 5.0 points per start away compared to 3.9 at home. Ollie Watkins (£8.8m) is also in fine form, with three goals and an assist in his last five matches.
With all managers set to address the media later on Friday, the final pieces of the team news puzzle will fall into place, shaping the strategies for the weekend's football and the final FPL decisions of the gameweek.
Based on reporting from BBC Sport.
