Featuring prominently amongst the chatter at PhysioRoom.com Headquarters over the past few days are some familiar Premier League injury faces as the after-effects of a tough midweek cup schedule plays havoc with many a tactical game plan. Will he? Wonִ he? Hopefully I can answer those all-important Premier League injury questions before the transfer deadline, helping to maximise potential point scoring before Septembers enforced sojourn. Ahead of Շame Week Threeՠmy Premier League Injury Round-Up will focus on some of the main discussion points raised by ‘you’ in the build-up to the fixtures this weekend.
Kolo Toure has been a revelation in his first two games at Liverpool; the reds are yet to concede a goal in the league with the defender posing a handful in attacking set-play situations. However an extra time victory over Notts County came at a cost when the
Ivorian footballer was stretchered from the field with a nasty looking groin injury. Despite reports today in the
Liverpool Echo Ջolo yet to concede defeat in United fitness raceՠ
and subsequent interview with Brendan Rodgers
ӈis injury is nowhere near as bad as what we thought. We’ll just assess that over the next 24/48 hours.Ӽ/em>
I֤ suggest it highly unlikely that Kolo Toure will be involved on Sunday. For me mid-September would be the best Liverpool fans could hope for.
Joe Allen is another who˩s struggling, the Welshman tweakedˡ hamstring and although his withdrawal appeared to be more of a precaution I֤ be surprised to see him risked against Manchester United. Another player to miss out is Aly Cissokho, the Valencia loanee lasted less than ten minutes of his full debut before an ankle injury curtailed his night, subsequent assessments have confirmed ligament damage with an expected return in October.
Swansea travelled to Romania this week without three key first team players – Jonjo Shelvey and Ashley Williams are carrying minor knee problems while forward Wilfried Bony has been playing with a slight ankle injury. The good news for Swans supporters is that all three are expected to return for the away game at West Brom; full-back Neil Taylor however is a definite absentee after the defender suffered a recurrence of his thigh injury.
West Bromwich Albion on the other-hand welcome back striker Nicolas Anelka who returns from compassionate leave amid fears he would ձuitՠwhile Steve Clarke has ruled out Matej Vydra (hamstring) and Ben Foster (stress fracture).
Southampton fans are sweating on the fitness of two key players, full-back Luke Shaw only˭anaged 45 minutes against Sunderland last weekend. The defender was joined by team-mate Morgan Schneiderlin at half-time after the midfield man picked up a knock.ˈowever good news,ˢoth players have trained ahead of the trip to Norwich and should be available. Manager Pochettino will make a late decision on squad members Jos Hooiveld and Guly do Prado.
Other players worthy of note are Arsenal trio Ramsey (groin), Wilshere (ankle) and Lucas Podolski (hamstring). Both Aaron and Jack are expected to play a part in Sundays North London derby, but the German forward is ruled out for around ten weeks with a grade three hamstring tear.
Newcastle fans will be pleased to see loan signing Loic Remy on the bench this weekend, as the Geordies are yet to open their Premier League goal-scoring account. The French striker struggled preseason with a calf problem but has trained over the past 10 days and is likely to get game-time providing Cisse with some much needed support up-front.
On Merseyside Roberto Martinez has the luxury of an almost fully fit squad as Darron Gibson and Antolin Alcaraz returned to full training this week, although neither˩s likely to be involved in the trip to Cardiff.
For all the latest Premier League injuries follow @physioroom or checkout our Injury Table for a full run down of your teamsՠplayer availability.