Adam Johnson not likely to make Wigan clash

MARTIN O’NEILL admits doubts remain over Adam Johnson’s readiness to rejoin Sunderland’s Premier League campaign.

The England winger has missed the Black Cats’ last two league games with a thigh injury before making his comeback as a late substitute in the midweek Capital One Cup win at MK Dons.

However – worryingly for Sunderland – Johnson is still feeling the after-effects of the injury and sat out training again yesterday.

Read the full article at http://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/sport/sunderland-afc/safc-news/2012/09/28/adam-johnson-looks-set-to-sit-out-wigan-clash-72703-31923270/#ixzz27nGGBvO0

Berbatov out for Two Weeks

We learn a little bit more about Berbatov's injury from Martin Jol today:

"Unfortunately Dimitar is injured now and can’t play on Saturday so that is the disappointing thing," Jol told the gathered media. "He will be out for the next two weeks.

"In his session he was looking good, as usual, and then his final shot he felt something and he had to go in and stop training. It appears he had – not a tear – but a sort of problem with his hip and upper thigh so we couldn’t take the risk to involve him against City.

"Diarra had a minor operation but he will still be out for the next four weeks at least.

Everton have doubts over Coleman, Naismith, and Anichebe

From David Moyes' press conference:

Darron Gibson and Tony Hibbert are Everton’s only two confirmed absentees for Saturday’s Premier League clash with Southampton.

David Moyes does, however, have concerns about three more members of his squad following the midweek Carling Cup exit at Leeds United.

He said: "We've got doubts over Seamus Coleman and Steven Naismith and Victor Anichebe's got a chest infection, so he's a doubt too.

This would seem to ensure that Kevin Mirallas keeps his place, alongside Jelavic most likely. Everton are a good bet this week hosting Southampton, and I'm hoping Mirallas continues his "shoot on sight" policy.

Injuries and Suspensions - Fantasy Premier League Match Week 6

The last word on who will be available and who will be filling in before you finalize your fantasy EPL roster for the weekend's action.

Dimitar Berbatov out

Martin Jol confirms that Dimitar Berbatov is ruled out of tomorrow's game through injury

— Fulham Football Club (@FulhamFC) September 28, 2012

This will test the resolve of many a fantasy manager who had Berb King as a potential season keeper.

Bassong and Pilkington Still Doubts for Norwich

Hughton confirms 'both Pilkington and Bassong are very close to fitness, so we'll continue to assess them, but neither trained today' #ncfc

— FantasyFootballCheat (@FFCheat) September 27, 2012

DiSanto and Alcaraz miss trip to Sunderland

No returns for injured Wigan duo Di Santo or Alcaraz against #SAFC on Sat

— Chris Young (@YoungSunEcho) September 27, 2012

Early Injury and Suspension News

Stephen Ireland to Miss At Least Two Weeks With Wrist Injury - 7500 To Holte

This is a chance for another Aston Villa attacker to come to the fore. They host West Brom this weekend in a Midlands derby. West Brom haven't looked as impressive on the road yet this season. However, Aston Villa is a "don't bet on or against" team for me at the moment. I just don't have a good sense of them yet. That being said, Christrian Benteke may get his chance this weekend.

And speaking of this match...

West Brom: Steve Clarke on Liam Ridgewell injury, Ben Foster mistake and cup exit against Liverpool - Birmingham Mail

Liam Ridgewell is a major doubt for Sunday’s derby against Villa after limping off during yesterday’s Capital One Cup defeat to Liverpool. The Baggies left-back was substituted in the 22nd minute after suffering a calf injury. He will be assessed before Sunday’s trip to his former club.

Albion boss Steve Clarke admitted the lack of full-backs – Steven Reid (hamstring/back) and Goran Popov (groin) were both absent – was a concern.

SAFC - O'Neill facing Johnson wait

Martin O’Neill will leave it late to rule on Adam Johnson’s fitness after the winger was held out of training today. The former Manchester City man made a brief substitute appearance at MK Dons but didn’t join in this morning’s session at the Academy of Light.

"Adam did a bit of training yesterday and came off feeling okay, then just had what I’m hoping is a superificial problem," O’Neill.

Team news: Vermaelen, Sagna and Szczesny | Arsenal.com

"Thomas Vermaelen is available again for selection"

No other injured players, however, are ready to return.

Four-game ban and fine for Terry - TEAMtalk

For fantasy managers, the interesting thing is that:

1. Terry is already struggling with an injury that saw him miss the Stoke match, and
2. "The penalty is suspended until after the outcome of any appeal, or the time for appealing expires, or should Mr Terry decide not to appeal." What matches he'll actually miss remains to be seen.

Jonjo Shelvey is alos suspended for this match, and we're likely to see two-goal Carling Cup hero Nuri Sahin step into midfield. That might push Steven Gerrard forward ito a support-attacking role. Interesting for fantasy managers who got Gerrard on the barn door, or those considering him at his higher, full price.

And speaking of suspensions...

Gameweek 6 - The Suspension Report

One stop shopping for all your suspension news.

Antonio Valencia Seen on Crutches

It is being reported that Antonio Valencia injured himself when fouled by Glen Johnson, thus winning the penalty kick that ultimately decided their match with Liverpool.

SBNation's Manchester United blog, The Busby Babe, is reporting that Valencia has been seen on crutches. This seems to be a similar injury "sighting" as last week's "Kyle Naughton seen in a boot" news, and while Naughton was thought to have a chance to play last weekend - he didn't.

More information as we get it.

Injured Vidic To Miss 2 Months

A massive blow has been dealt to Manchester United and their club captain.