Introduction
With the waivers now in the last opportunity to gain an edge is through the free agency. The deadline is fast approaching, due to the Luton Vs Everton fixture at 8PM GMT. So remember, deadline is 6:30pm GMT. In this article we look at some injuries and the implications they may have going into this all important Gameweek.
So, lets get stuck in.
Tottenham - Timo Werner & Ben Davies
Werner picked up an injury in the Spurs 2-3 loss to Arsenal in their first match of the double gameweek. He was subbed just after the half hour mark, and Ange coming out and said he's going to miss the rest of the season. Brennan Johnson was his replacement and played parts of the game on the left and parts on the right. Richarlison is now back from injury also and played 63 minutes against Chelsea, in their 2 - 0 defeat.
With Werner out and Richarlison back, we would expect Son to move back to left wing, Richarlison up top and Johnson on the right. Kulusevski seems to be competing with Maddison for that CAM position. If Johnson is on the free agent he could be useful in the DGW37.
With Ben Davies also picking up an injury to his calf, which rules him out for the rest of the season. Emerson Royal will slot in left back, as Udogie is out for the season also.
Aston Villa - Emi Martinez & Youri Tielemans
Matinez the Villa goalkeeper picked up a hamstring injury which forced him off at half time in their 2-2 draw with Chelsea. Villa played in the Conference League yesterday evening against Olympiacos & Martinez wasn't in the squad. Robin Olsen is the 2nd choice goalkeeper here. Villa don't double and play Brighton (A), Liverpool (H) & Palace (A) in their next 3 fixtures. Martinez will be assessed before the weekend, but if you need a playing keeper Olsen can be an option.
Tielemans picked up a groin injury against Chelsea also and was subbed off after 26 minutes. A massive disappointment for the Belgian midfielder as he was picking up some great form with 2 assists in the last 3 games, before the injury. Moussa Diaby was his replacement and also got the start in their midweek conference league fixture.
Nottingham Forrest - Taiwo Awoniyi (Returning from injury)
Awoniyi started the season like a prime Lukaku, scoring in his first 3 games against league leaders Arsenal, Man Utd & Sheffield United whom they play this weekend in a relegation battle. His season has been rife with injuries however Nuno (Forrest Manager) had some words on his imminent return this weekend.
“He joined the team today, he had good feelings, we still have to wait for tomorrow to see how it goes.
"And if he feels okay like he felt today, I think he can help definitely with his experience, he’s a goalscorer.
“We are aware and we know that he’s not at his top-level but a helpful player for us in these final moments.”
We should expect Awoniyi to get some minutes, but will he be able to provide enough of an impact to keep Forrest in the Premier League for another season.
Newcastle - Fabian Schar
Newcastle have been stung by yet another injury, that rules Fabian Schar out for the remainder of the season. Ben Dinnery of premierinjuries.com gave an incredible insight into injuries following the manager, outlining that when Eddie Howe was manager of Bournemouth, he had the highest incidence rate of injuries. Luckily for Newcastle they still have a versatile replacement in Emil Krafth who can play both at right back and centre back.
Conclusion
Injuries can be massive hindrance to your team, but also provide a great opportunity to pick up some gems to fill out your team. For full list of waivers and listener questions, check out this weeks podcast.
Don't have a good day, have a great day.
Jack