Bukayo Saka and Matthijs de Ligt both doubtful for festive encounters (Image: Getty)
The Premier League returns this week with a festive twist as all 20 teams return to action.
After their nine-goal thriller in north London, Liverpool return to Anfield as they look to move closer to Premier League glory.
Arsenal hope to have a say in the proceedings, but Mikel Arteta and co. were left shaken when Bukayo Saka limped off during the Gunners' weekend win over Crystal Palace.
At the other end of the table, Oliver Glasner's side and Leicester City are fighting for their lives, while Manchester City look to end a run of one win in 12 matches.
Ahead of Gameweek 18, Express Sport have provided an FPL injury update…
Bukayo Saka
All Saka owners may want to sell as quickly as possible, as according to manager Arteta the Englishman will not be seen in action for “several weeks”.
Speaking ahead of Arsenal's clash with Ipswich Town on Friday, Arteta said: “It's not looking good. He's going to be out for several weeks.”
No official timetable has been set for his return, but it's likely we won't see Saka again 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 in 14 matches this season.
Now aged 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 has revealed he is 'hoping' Welbeck returns for Friday night's clash with Brentford, but the signs are not particularly good.
Danny Welbeck has been an unlikely star for Brighton this season (Image: Getty)
Emile Smith Rowe
Fulham looked a shell of themselves in the goalless draw against basement club Southampton last weekend – a match for which they were without Emile Smith Rowe.
The former Arsenal ace has been a revelation since his arrival in west London and Marco Silva is confident the midfield maestro will be back on the pitch soon.
He said: “We really think he will be back soon. It's up to us to decide whether he will be at Chelsea or Bournemouth.
Ebéréchi Eze
Ruled out of Saturday's defeat to Arsenal due to injury, Eberechi Eze is in contention to play for Crystal Palace when they travel to high-flying Bournemouth this week.
Glasner admitted things were “looking good” when it came to Eze's return, with the German coach admitting his talisman had been training.
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Ederson
Given City's form in recent weeks, the Premier League champions' victory could be considered a Christmas miracle.
They could, however, find themselves 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 matches, Manchester United fans will be eager for Matthijs de Ligt to return to the starting XI on Boxing Day against Wolves.
The United faithful may be forced to wait a little longer, however, as Ruben Amorim said: “[Matthijs] is still ill” when asked about the Dutchman’s availability.
Source: https://www.express.co.uk/sport/football/1992805/fpl-injury-update-saka-welbeck-smith-rowe-eze