Premier League managers are likely to use their FA Cup third round fixtures this weekend as a chance to rotate their key players following a hectic run of games over the festive period.
Not only have injuries been on the rise in recent weeks due to the unforgiving schedule but so too have positive Covid-19 tests which have wreaked havoc across the division.
Manchester City, Newcastle United, Fulham and Sheffield United are among the clubs to have had multiple Covid-19 positives.
As a result, numerous players were ruled out of action in the latest round of Premier League matches which commenced on New Year’s Day.
Here’s the latest injury and Covid-19 related news ahead of the next round of fixtures.
Alex McCarthy (Southampton)
Alex McCarthy missed Southampton’s 1-0 win over Liverpool on Monday night after the club confirmed he had tested positive for Covid-19.
“Ralph Hasenhuttl has confirmed Alex McCarthy will miss the Liverpool game following a positive Covid-19 test,” a Southampton statement read.
“McCarthy is currently self-isolating at home, in line with government guidelines and club protocols.”
Joel Matip (Liverpool)
Joel Matip was withdrawn just before the hour mark during Liverpool’s 1-1 draw against West Brom and subsequently missed their draw with Newcastle and defeat to Southampton.
“Joel told me he felt something in his abductor and that’s obviously not too good,” Jurgen Klopp said after the game against West Brom.
“I am not sure how serious it is now, but it was serious enough that he had to leave the pitch.”
Charlie Taylor (Burnley)
Charlie Taylor lasted just nine minutes of Burnley’s 1-0 win over Sheffield United and would have missed their next match against Fulham before it was postponed.
“It’s an unfortunate one, I think it should have been a foul before that if the ref blows his whistle, he doesn’t pull his hamstring anyway but that is one of those things,” Sean Dyche said afterwards.
Reece James (Chelsea)
Reece James was surprisingly selected for Chelsea during their 3-1 defeat to Arsenal on Boxing Day after it had been revealed that he had been carrying a knee injury.
The right-back struggled at the Emirates and was absent for Chelsea’s 1-1 draw against Aston Villa with Frank Lampard confirming it was due to a hamstring problem.
“Reece James is out with a small hamstring problem,” said Lampard.
He subsequently missed the home defeat to Manchester City.
Lukasz Fabianski (West Ham)
West Ham were dealt a blow shortly before kick-off against Everton when Lukasz Fabianski suffered an injury in the warm-up culminating in Darren Randolph starting instead.
“We lost Lukasz Fabiański before kick-off with a thigh injury, so we can’t afford to lose too many players because it would have an effect,” said David Moyes after West Ham’s 1-0 win.
West Ham are reportedly optimistic that Fabianski will be able to return for their next league game against Burnley on Saturday 16 January.
Daniel Podence (Wolves)
Daniel Podence was absent as Wolves squandered a 3-1 lead to draw 3-3 with Brighton after suffering an injury during the 2-1 defeat to Manchester United a few days before.
The Portuguese playmaker is expected to miss out on Wolves’ FA Cup clash with Crystal Palace on Friday but could be in contention against Everton next Tuesday.
“We still have to see. He had a problem in the first action of the game against Man United. He proceeded through the game but he’s not available for this game and probably the next one,” Nuno Espirito Santo said.
James Maddison (Leicester City)
James Maddison went down with a knee injury early on in Leicester’s 2-1 win over Newcastle but recovered sufficiently to score the opening goal. Brendan Rodgers could opt to rest him for Saturday’s FA Cup clash with Stoke City.
“It felt like a hyperextension of my leg and I was a bit worried for a second about my knee because you can never be too careful with knee injuries, especially when they’re not contact, and you’re not sure what’s going on,” he said after the game.
“We’ve got some good physios and I’m sure they’ll have a look at it.”
Che Adams (Southampton)
Che Adams received a nasty blow to the head in Southampton’s 0-0 stalemate with West Ham and went on to miss his side’s 1-0 win over Liverpool.
Speaking before the game, Hasenhuttl said: “Che got a horrible kick in the head and has concussion and is still struggling with it.”
Adams should be available to return for Southampton’s next league game against Leicester City on Saturday 16 January.
from Football – inews.co.uk https://ift.tt/3nrIgfT
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