FPL injury update: Saka, Welbeck, Smith Rowe, Eze latest for GW18 | Football | Sport

The Premier League is back this week with a festive twist as all 20 teams return to action.

Fresh from their nine-goal thriller in north London, Liverpool return to Anfield as they look to move one step closer to Premier League glory.

Arsenal hopes to influence the matter, but Mikel Arteta and co. were rocked when Bukayo Saka limped off during the Gunners’ weekend win over Crystal Palace.

At the opposite end of the table, Oliver Glasner’s outfit and Leicester City are fighting for their lives, while Manchester City are looking to end a 12-game winning streak.

Ahead of Gameweek 18, Express Sport have provided an FPL injury update…

Bukayo Saka

Any Saka owners may want to sell as quickly as they can, as according to manager Arteta, the Englishman will not be seen in action for ‘many weeks’.

Speaking ahead of Arsenal’s clash with Ipswich Town on Friday, Arteta said: “It doesn’t look good. He’s going to be out for many weeks.”

No official timetable has been set for his return, but it’s likely we won’t see Saka until well into the new year.

Danny Welbeck

One of the surprise stars of the 2024 season so far, Danny Welbeck has scored an impressive six goals from 14 games this term.

Now, at 34, time is starting to catch up with the veteran striker, making regular appearances in the XI a little more difficult.

Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler revealed he is ‘hoping’ to have Welbeck back for Friday night’s clash with Brentford, but the signs are not very good.

Emile Smith Rowe

Fulham looked a shell of themselves in the goalless draw with basement club Southampton last weekend – a game they were without Emile Smith Rowe for.

The former Arsenal ace has been a revelation since arriving in west London and Marco Silva is confident the midfield maestro will soon be back on the pitch.

He said: “We really believe he will be back soon. It is important for us to make a decision whether he will be at Chelsea or Bournemouth.”

Eberechi Eze

Ruled out of Saturday’s defeat to Arsenal through injury, Eberechi Eze is in contention to feature for Crystal Palace when they travel to high-flying Bournemouth this week.

Glasner admitted that things were ‘looking good’ as far as Eze’s return is concerned and the German coach admitted that his talisman has been training.

Ederson

Given City’s form in recent weeks, the Premier League champions winning a game could be considered a Christmas miracle.

However, they could be without goalkeeper Ederson again, with Pep Guardiola saying “he doesn’t know” whether the players who missed the Aston Villa game will return on Boxing Day.

Matthijs de Ligt

After missing the previous two games, Manchester United fans will be eager for Matthijs de Ligt to return to the starting line-up on Boxing Day against Wolves.

However, the United faithful could be forced to wait a little longer as Ruben Amorim said “(Matthijs) is still ill” when asked about the Dutchman’s availability.