This article is part of our Fit or Miss series.
With Manchester City and Sunderland facing off on Sunday in the Capital One Cup final, there are only 18 Premier League fixtures this weekend. Most fantasy leagues do not retroactively count stats, so if you've got someone from Manchester City, Manchester United, Sunderland or West Brom this weekend, be sure to get them out of our starting XIs.
As a reminder, you can find a full list of injured players on our Injury Updates page, or if you're looking for information on a specific player, just search their name and the latest news will be on their player page.
For a few key players, here's what we're seeing heading into Gameweek 28:
Saturday, March 1
Everton vs. West Ham
Romelu Lukaku is expected to make his return from an ankle injury, but he will not be paired up front with Lacina Traore, who could be facing surgery for his injured hamstring. Phil Jagielka has been ruled out with a hamstring injury, but Antolin Alcaraz is expected to return from his muscle fatigue. Guy Demel is suffering from an illness, but is expected to play.
Fulham vs. Chelsea
Matthew Briggs (sports hernia) is the only concern injury for Fulham, and he will miss out. David Luiz (muscle injury) was unable to be fit for Wednesday's Champions League match at Galatasaray, but is still expected to return this weekend.
Hull City vs. Newcastle
Liam Rosenior, and Tom Huddlestone both picked up knocks recently, but are expected to be fit. Meanwhile, Robbie Brady (groin) and Paul McShane (ankle) are likely to be out for awhile. Davide Santon will miss out with an ankle injury, while Hatem Ben Arfa picked up a knock and will also sit.
Stoke City vs. Arsenal
Robert Huth could make his return from a knee injury. Mesut Ozil was held out of last weekend's match against Sunderland to rest, but he is expected to be back in the starting XI this weekend. Jack Wilshere is dealing with a hamstring injury, but is expected to be fit. Laurent Koscielny picked up a back injury last weekend but is also expected to play. Kieran Gibbs (hamstring) will be given a late fitness test, while Aaron Ramsey remains sidelined with a thigh injury.
Southampton vs. Liverpool
Jos Hooiveld (eye) is the only injury issue for Southampton, and he isn't likely on many fantasy rosters. Mamadou Sakho (hamstring) will face a late fitness test, while Lucas (knee) has returned to training but isn't match fit yet. Meanwhile, Jose Enrique still doesn't have a clear recovery timetable from his knee injury after seeing a specialist in the U.S.
Sunday, March 2
Aston Villa vs. Norwich City
Ryan Bertrand is suffering through an illness and could miss out. Jonas Gutierrez remains out with calf injury, although Ryan Bennett (thigh) may be able to return.
Swansea vs. Crystal Palace
Jonjo Shelvey (hamstring) did not travel to Italy for Thursday's Europa League tie with Napoli, but is expected to be ready by the weekend. Leon Britton has a slight knee injury, but should be okay. Michu is still bothered by his ankle and has not resumed training yet. Jerome Thomas faces a late fitness test for his back.
Tottenham vs. Cardiff City
Danny Rose (knee) and Kyle Walker (hip) were held out of Thursday's Europa League match, but are expected to play Sunday. Etienne Capoue will miss out with an ankle injury, and Vlad Chiriches sits with a back issue. Gary Medel (thigh) has returned to training but isn't ready yet. Jordon Mutch (hamstring) was described as "touch-and-go" before last weekend's match, and he'll have a late fitness test ahead of this one.
