Saka, Alisson, Mainoo: FPL injury news and updates ahead of Gameweek 8

There are just hours to go until the long wait for the return of Premier League action comes to an end and we can all move on from what was a rather underwhelming international break.

As ever, there are some big calls for Fantasy Premier League managers to make as players across English football’s elite prepare to return to action after representing their countries over the last fortnight. A quick glance at the FPL mobile phone app will see a glut of yellow and red triangles meaning there are plenty of doubts and players ruled out of their fixtures over the next few days.

The likes of Bukayo Saka, Callum Wilson and Kobbie Mainoo have all been the subject of updates from their managers ahead of the weekend - so here are the key headline makers when it comes to team news ahead of Saturday’s 11am game week deadline.

And if you’re in need of some hints and tips as well, why not try out our resident FPL expert’s weekly advice column? You can find the latest instalment by clicking here.

Callum Wilson

The England striker is yet to feature for Newcastle United this season after suffering a back injury during the summer. The Magpies had been encouraged by the progress Wilson had made in recent weeks and he was originally pencilled in to return after the international break. The former Bournemouth star has been back in training with Eddie Howe’s side but the Magpies manager has admitted he will take a cautious approach over his return to action.

Speaking ahead of Saturday’s home game with Brighton , he said: ‘Callum has trained, but we will continue to assess it day-by-day. We need to make sure it is the right time when we re-enter him into the group. When we get him back, we want to get him back for a long time, so it is important we make the right call. We’re in communicaton every day as I am with all the players at the training ground, I’m hands on with everybody and Callum’s no exception, so great to see him back on the training pitch, it’s given all the players a lift to see him back with the group. As I said earlier we just have to manage his reintroduction in the right way.”

Bukayo Saka

There was some genuine concern Arsenal could have been dealt a major injury blow when Bukayo Saka hobbled out of England’s home defeat against Greece last Thursday night. The Gunners winger missed Sunday’s win against Finland and there were initial fears he could miss some key fixtures as club level as Mikel Arteta’s side prepare to face the likes of Liverpool, Newcastle United and Inter Milan over the coming weeks. However, the Gunners boss moved to calm fears ahead of Saturday’s trip to Bournemouth, saying: "It is not a serious injury. He is evolving really well. He has done a few things in the last two days. We are hopeful."

Martin Odegaard

If the news on Saka was positive, the news on Gunners team-mate Martin Odegaard was not so bright. The Norway international suffered an ankle ligament injury during September’s international break and Arteta has revealed he will not be available for the visit to Bournemouth.

Kobbie Mainoo

The Manchester United midfielder was unable to feature for England during the international break and the Red Devils have confirmed the academy product will be out of action ‘for a few weeks’ after suffering a muscle injury. That means Mainoo will miss Saturday’s home game with Brentford and will be a doubt for visits to the likes of Fenerbahce and West Ham United over the next fortnight.

Alisson

A firm favourite with FPL players, the Brazil goalkeeper is facing a spell on the sidelines after suffering a hamstring injury in Liverpool’s win at Crystal Palace prior to the international break. Alisson’s period out of action will start with him missing Sunday’s game against Chelsea and Reds boss Arne Slot has revealed the club are looking into the reasons behind the injury.

"It’s a bit uncommon for goalkeepers," said Slot. "For me, it’s common because the goalkeeper I had at Feyenoord (Justin Bijlow) also had his issues with injury, also muscle injuries. That’s not what you see a lot, so these two are more of an exception. We are looking into it and what could be the reason.”