Is This Your Ultimate Source for FPL Stats and Premier League Team News?

As Premier League Gameweek 24 approaches, injury updates and Fantasy Premier League (FPL) statistics are crucial for fans and managers alike. Key injuries include Everton's Jack Grealish, who is likely out for the season, while Brighton's Diego Gomez faces a fitness test. Arsenal's defenders William Saliba and Jurrien Timber are set to return. FPL players should monitor these updates closely to optimise their squads.

Last updated: 27 October 2023 (BST)

What’s happening now

As the Premier League gears up for another exciting round of fixtures, managers are providing updates on player fitness ahead of Gameweek 24. This weekend features critical matches, including Arsenal’s trip to Leeds United and Brighton facing Everton. With several key players nursing injuries, FPL managers must be vigilant about team selections and potential transfers.

Key takeaways

Jack Grealish likely out for the season due to foot surgery.
Brighton’s Diego Gomez may be available after a fitness test.
Arsenal’s Saliba and Timber return after being rested midweek.

Timeline: how we got here

In the lead-up to Gameweek 24, several key events have shaped the current injury landscape:

17 October 2023: Injuries start impacting player availability, with several teams reporting fitness concerns.
24 October 2023: Press conferences reveal Grealish’s potential long-term absence.
26 October 2023: Brighton confirms Gomez's fitness test, while Arsenal announces the return of Saliba and Timber.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

This week, the most significant news is the confirmation that Jack Grealish is likely to require surgery, sidelining him for the rest of the season. Brighton's Diego Gomez is facing a late fitness test, while Arsenal welcomes back key defenders.

What was already established

Prior to this week, it was known that several teams were dealing with injury crises, impacting their squad depth and performance. Players like Everton's Michael Keane were expected to return, offering some relief.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

These injury updates could influence ticket sales and viewership as fans adjust their expectations for team performances. Additionally, fantasy football enthusiasts will need to make critical decisions on their line-ups and transfers based on player availability.

Businesses and jobs

For clubs, injuries can affect matchday revenues and merchandise sales, especially for teams with star players missing from action. The performance of substitute players may also influence future recruitment strategies.

Policy and regulation

In terms of league regulations, clubs must adhere to strict guidelines regarding player fitness and transfers. The Football Association may also need to consider extending deadlines for player registrations if injuries become widespread.

Numbers that matter

Jack Grealish (£8.0m) is expected to miss the rest of the season, impacting Everton's attacking options.
Brighton’s Diego Gomez has a 75% chance of playing after passing a fitness test.
Michael Keane (£4.7m) returns from a three-match ban, adding strength to Everton’s defence.
Arsenal’s Declan Rice (£7.4m) leads the league with 87 corner and free-kick attempts.
Brenden Aaronson (£5.4m) of Leeds has scored three goals and provided two assists in his last seven matches.

Definitions and jargon buster

FPL: Fantasy Premier League, a fantasy football game based on the performances of Premier League players.
xGI: Expected Goal Involvement, a statistic that measures a player's contribution to goal-scoring opportunities.
Big Chances: Clear opportunities to score, typically defined as a situation where a player should reasonably be expected to score.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

Managers should prioritise players returning from injury, like Michael Keane, while considering how to navigate losses like Grealish. Keeping an eye on fitness updates will be essential.

Medium term (1–6 months)

As the season progresses, injuries may become more frequent, especially during the busy holiday fixtures. FPL managers must be prepared to adapt their strategies to accommodate these changes.

Signals to watch

Player fitness updates from training sessions leading up to matchdays.
Official injury reports from clubs and the Premier League.
Performance trends of substitutes stepping in for injured players.

Practical guidance

Do

Regularly check injury updates from club press conferences.
Consider transferring in players returning from injury.
Monitor performance trends of players stepping into starting positions.

Don’t

Make rash decisions based solely on one week's performance.
Overlook the importance of squad rotation and fixture congestion.
Ignore updates from training sessions and official club announcements.

Checklist

Review your squad for injured players and potential replacements.
Check the form of players stepping into starting roles.
Update your FPL team based on the latest injury news.
Consider fixture difficulty for upcoming matches.
Stay informed about potential transfer activity as the window approaches.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

Injuries can lead to rapid changes in team dynamics, making it difficult to predict performances accurately. Players returning from injury may not perform at their peak immediately. Additionally, transfers and squad rotations can also impact the effectiveness of players, making it essential to stay updated on managerial decisions.

Bottom line

As Gameweek 24 approaches, staying informed about player injuries and fitness updates is crucial for both fans and Fantasy Premier League managers. With several key players potentially out of action, strategic decisions will be necessary to navigate the upcoming fixtures effectively.

FAQs

Who is the most significant injury concern for Gameweek 24?

Jack Grealish is the most significant injury concern, as he is likely to require surgery and miss the rest of the season.

Which players are expected to return for their teams?

William Saliba and Jurrien Timber from Arsenal are expected to return this weekend after being rested midweek.

What should FPL managers focus on this week?

FPL managers should focus on injury updates and consider transferring in players returning from fitness issues, like Michael Keane.