EPL GW29: Team news, injury updates and live chat

The Premier League’s 29th gameweek arrives midweek with the table delicately poised and every point carrying the weight of a season’s ambition. Injuries, suspensions and the grind of a compressed calendar have left no squad untouched, forcing managers to dig deep into their depth charts as relegation fears and European dreams collide.

Manchester City’s camp remains fixated on Erling Haaland’s fitness after the striker was conspicuously absent from the weekend squad. Pep Guardiola offered no clarity post-match, leaving the Norwegian’s midweek status shrouded in mystery. Teenage midfielder Nico O’Reilly, who impressed early against Fulham, is now a major doubt after picking up a knock, further complicating Guardiola’s rotation plans.

Tottenham’s slide shows no sign of abating. A fourth straight defeat has dragged Ange Postecoglou’s side to within four points of 17th-placed West Ham, the relegation alarm bells ringing louder than any tactical message. Spurs already oversee the league’s longest injury list; Djed Spence’s calf issue only lengthens it. Confidence, like several star names, is in short supply.

At the other end of the spectrum, Fulham’s derby triumph over Tottenham catapulted them to the summit, yet Marco Silva must now navigate without Kevin Mbabu after ankle surgery. Joachim Andersen is questionable due to illness, and Saša Lukić continues to be assessed, reminding supporters that momentum can be fragile.

Bournemouth welcome back Evanilson from a dead leg, but Lewis Cook’s hamstring will sideline him until after the international break. Long-term casualties Ben Doak and Julio Soler remain out. Brentford, meanwhile, list Aaron Hickey and new father Caoimhín Kelleher as doubts, while Joshua Dasilva trains but is not yet ready for competitive minutes.

Everton’s injury woes deepen with Carlos Alcaraz ruled out for three-to-four weeks after a training-ground setback. Jack Grealish’s season is already over, leaving Sean Dyche to lean on a thinning creative pool. Burnley await Axel Tuanzebe and Armando Broja for at least several more weeks; Marcus Edwards is being monitored ahead of the fixture. Leeds keep monitoring Noah Okafor’s hamstring, anticipating another fortnight on the sidelines.

Sunderland’s medical room is even more crowded: Jocelyn Ta Bi, Nordi Mukiele, Brian Brobbey, Romaine Mundle, Reinildo and Dennis Cirkin are all unavailable. Wolves at least receive a boost as Ladislav Krejčí returns from suspension and Hwang Hee-chan rejoins training, though Florian Wirtz’s lower-back complaint keeps him out of Liverpool’s plans. Alexander Isak’s light running offers Newcastle encouragement for the longer term.

Aston Villa, still without five injured players, crave the creativity of John McGinn and Youri Tielemans to arrest inconsistent form ahead of hosting Chelsea. The visitors welcome Wesley Fofana back from suspension, yet no fresh faces are expected to exit the treatment room.

Brighton decide on Yasin Ayari’s shoulder issue after he missed the weekend win, while Arsenal await updates on Martin Ødegaard’s knee; Ben White’s probable return offers Mikel Arteta some relief. West Ham’s Pablo Fornals trains but remains unavailable, and Freddie Potts begins a ban.

Nottingham Forest’s winless streak stretched to five as defensive errors cost them against Brighton. Chris Wood edges closer to training, but goalkeeper Stefan Ortega’s calf is a concern. Crystal Palace must do without Maxence Lacroix, whose red card against Manchester United cancelled out his earlier goal.

Newcastle visit an in-form Manchester United third in the table on the back of six wins from seven. Jacob Ramsey is a doubt for Eddie Howe, and Tino Livramento needs at least another week, while the Red Devils, revitalised under Michael Carrick, sense another chance to tighten their grip on a Champions League berth.

Across the league, fine margins rule: a red card, a late fitness test, a youngster thrust into the spotlight. With the international break looming, GW29 may prove the hinge on which seasons swing.

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