Fit or Miss: Premier League Injury Tracker - Gameweek 33

Fit or Miss: Premier League Injury Tracker - Gameweek 33

This article is part of our Fit or Miss series.

Less than 18 hours after we put up our Gameweek 33 Player Rankings, which had Aston Villa's Christian Benteke at the top of the list, the Belgian striker suffered a ruptured Achilles tendon in training. He will now miss the rest of the Premier League season, and the World Cup, a huge blow to Aston Villa and Belgium.

It was another firm reminder that setting your fantasy lineups ahead of time doesn't always work out. Imagine using one of your few transfers to pick up Benteke, who had an incredibly enticing home matchup against Fulham this week, only to see him lost for the season. It's not like you could eat it for this week and hope he scores next week. His season is over, and now you're down a transfer. Unfortunately, there's no "nevermind!" button in fantasy soccer.

For all the other injury news, here's what we're seeing:

Saturday, April 5

Manchester City vs. Southampton
Sergio Aguero is expected to return from his hamstring injury, although he noted this week that he does not want to rush back, so it wouldn't be surprising if he was eased back in. Nathaniel Clyne will miss out with a groin injury, while Victor Wanyama (leg) faces a late fitness test.

Aston Villa vs. Fulham
Christian Benteke will miss the rest of the season and the World Cup after suffering a ruptured Achilles in training Thursday. Gabriel Agbonlahor, one of the players who will have to step up in Benteke's absence, will face a late fitness test due to an illness. Karim El Ahmadi is also considered a doubt due to a thigh injury. Meanwhile, Fernando Amorebieta is due back from his red card ban. Unfortunately, Kostas Mitroglu could miss the rest of the season due to his knee injury.

Cardiff City vs. Crystal Palace
Craig Noone is set to return from a muscle injury. Marouane Chamakh is expected to return from his hamstring injury, but Dwight Gayle (ankle) will miss out.

Hull City vs. Swansea City
Allan McGregor is done for the season due to a kidney injury he sustained in a collision two weeks ago, while Swansea have no notable injuries right now.

Newcastle vs. Manchester United
Loic Remy (calf) was believed to be targeting this week for a return, but he has been ruled out for the match, with a new return date next weekend. Mathieu Debuchy (groin) is also due back next week. Making matters worse, Tim Krul and Moussa Sissoko (hamstring) are not due back until the following week. Robin van Persie (knee) is out for United, along with Antonio Valencia (knee), Jonny Evans (calf), Chris Smalling (hamstring), Rafael (thigh), and Ryan Giggs (groin).

Norwich City vs. West Brom
Joseph Yobo is expected back from his calf injury, while Leroy Fer is likely a week away from returning from his hamstring injury.

Chelsea vs. Stoke City
Ramires has one more game to go on his three-match red card ban. Samuel Eto'o was believe to be returning for Wednesday's Champions League match against Paris Saint-Germain, but he did not even travel for the match. Ashley Cole may return from his knee injury, but it's unlikely he cracks the starting XI. On the other side, Jonathan Walters is due back from his red card ban.

Sunday, April 6

Everton vs. Arsenal
Ross Barkley suffered a calf injury during last weekend's match and will face a late fitness test. Phil Jagielka has been deemed fit from his hamstring injury, but he has not gotten back on the pitch yet. Steven Pienaar's knee continues to keep him out. Arsenal could have a huge boost if Aaron Ramsey can return from his thigh injury, although he will likely be eased back in after he suffered multiple setbacks in his recovery. Mesut Ozil (hamstring), Jack Wilshere (ankle), and Laurent Koscielny (calf) have all been ruled out.

West Ham vs. Liverpool
James Collins will likely miss out with a calf injury, while Marco Borriello sits with a hamstring issue. Meanwhile, the only Liverpool injury of note is Jose Enrique, whose knee injury will likely keep him out for the rest of the season.

Monday, April 7

Tottenham vs. Sunderland
Spurs are in trouble up front, with both Roberto Soldado (hamstring) and Emmanuel Adebayor (heel) both likely out. Friday update: Adebayor has been cleared to play.Kyle Walker (groin) and Etienne Capoue (ankle) will also sit, although Jan Vertonghen (ankle), Paulinho (conjunctivitis), and Vlad Chirches (back) could all make it back. Friday update: Vertonghen and Walker have been ruled out, but Chiriches will play. On the other side, Steven Fletcher continues to sit with an ankle injury.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Andrew M. Laird
Andrew M. Laird, the 2017 and 2018 FSWA Soccer Writer of the Year, is RotoWire's Head of DFS Content and Senior Soccer Editor. He is a nine-time FSWA award finalist, including twice for Football Writer of the Year.
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