The Premier League returns this weekend with several key fixtures, including Chelsea hosting Manchester United, Manchester City facing Brighton, and Liverpool meeting Arsenal at Anfield. Fantasy Premier League managers face important decisions ahead of the GW9 deadline, with several injury concerns to monitor.
Joao Pedro Set to Miss United Clash
Chelsea striker Joao Pedro is expected to miss the weekend fixture against Manchester United after picking up an injury in training. His absence is described as a huge blow for the Blues, who struggle to operate at the same level compared to when he is in the side. A return before the November international break appears unlikely right now.
Arsenal Injury Updates
Riccardo Calafiori picked up a minor problem during the win over Everton and was left out of the Arsenal squad for the shock Fleetwood defeat. Mikel Arteta said last weekend: "It was because he had a slight issue, we don't know what it is, it seems to be something very small, but he was cautious about it."
Declan Rice also missed the Fleetwood game, but he did train before the Carabao Cup match and is not expected to be out for any length of time. He is likely to start at Anfield on Sunday.
Manchester United and Other Updates
Luke Shaw's last appearance for United came in the draw with Tottenham at the start of this month. He has missed four matches since, and it is unlikely he will be fit enough for the Chelsea match. However, Michael Carrick received a major injury boost this week as Kobbie Mainoo returned to United training. The midfielder has been missing for a couple of weeks but is expected to be in contention for minutes on Saturday.
Erling Haaland was left out of the City squad altogether in the week, but that was only to rest him. The Norwegian will return to the starting XI for Saturday's match with Brighton.
Dominik Szoboszlai is still struggling for fitness after aggravating a hamstring injury on international duty. Andoni Iraola was not concerned with the severity of the injury, but Szoboszlai is not expected to be in the starting XI vs Arsenal on Sunday.
