While the season has only just started, the first international break of the new campaign is almost upon us. We still have a full weekend of Premier League fixtures to sink our teeth into before that happens, though. The upcoming games will give FPL managers another chance to bank some early points and get themselves off to a solid start.
Express Sport provides a helping hand with a list of popular picks who might not be available for Gameweek 3…
Cole Palmer
Palmer will not be available for Chelsea’s game against Fulham as he recovers from a groin injury. He picked up the problem before last weekend’s victory over West Ham and is not yet ready to make his return to the pitch.
Enzo Maresca revealed the news in Friday’s press conference, with Benoit Badiashile and Romeo Lavia also on the treatment table.
“Cole, we need to see day by day,” said the Chelsea boss. “Romeo and Benoit, I don’t think they will be back after the international break but they will be closer.”
Bukayo Saka
Arsenal’s star man is another player who will be sidelined this weekend. He limped off against Leeds United with a hamstring problem and is set to miss the next few weeks as he recovers.
Mikel Arteta has confirmed that Saka will not need surgery, saying on Friday: “It’s not as bad as the previous one. Very unfortunate to pick it up because it’s on the other side.
“It’s an action that requires full power from him. Then he clashed with the opponent, he needed to change pace again and he felt something. He will be out for a couple of weeks.”
Rayan Ait-Nouri
There is better news at Manchester City with Ait-Nouri set to be available for selection against Brighton. He was substituted during last weekend’s defeat to Tottenham but has recovered well and could be involved at the Amex Stadium.
Pep Guardiola kept it short and sweet when quizzed on the defender’s condition, saying: “He’s fine.” Asked directly if he will be fit enough to face Brighton, the Spaniard replied: “Yes.”
Savinho, Josko Gvardiol and Mateo Kovacic remain sidelined with injuries ahead of Sunday’s game against the Seagulls.
Jeremie Frimpong
Liverpool’s new defender has made a strong start to life on Merseyside but an injury setback will keep him out until after the international break. He suffered a hamstring problem against Bournemouth and will need some more time to recover.
Speaking before Monday’s dramatic victory over Newcastle, manager Arne Slot said: “The medical team were completely right about Jeremie and to tell me that I had to take him off because he is out until the end of the international break.
“I think I got criticised a bit for taking him off. It had nothing to do with how he played but we felt he had an issue with his hamstring and by we, I mean the medical staff. They were completely right. It was a good call to take him off.”
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