Fantasy Football, Premier League NEWS

Injured Premiership Players and their Expected Return Dates

Published by Sunil Rathour on September 7, 2009

Here is a list of premiership players, and their expected return dates for first team football. Please note that although their return dates state a specific time, they may not play a full 90 minutes, that particular week. The manager may opt to ease them back into action with a substitute appearance to begin with. So, if someone catches your eye, please pay attention to their team and their appearances, from the dates I specify below -

1) Mikel Arteta is an Everton player who is a hero at Goodison Park. He has been suffering from an Anterior Cruciate Ligament knee injury since February 22nd this year, where he was carried off on a stretcher in the 0-0 draw against Newcastle. His recovery process from this injury seems to be going well as he is expected back before the reported date of 17th October, 2009. Fantasy premiership managers should take note that he is an extremely talented midfielder, with his total of 13 league assists in the 2006-07 season being second only to Cristiano Ronaldo. He is also renowned for his ability from set pieces, with 14 of Everton’s 52 league goals last season coming from an Arteta free kick or corner. Mikel has also proved himself to be a worthy penalty kick taker for Everton and should score quite a few from the spot when he returns. Currently his price is at 8.3 million, which is well worth it for a quality player like him.

2) Cesc Fabregas is the Arsenal captain who sustained a hamstring injury during a Champions league match against Celtic recently. He missed out on Arsenals game against Manchester United last week, but is set to return to action against Manchester City on the 12th September, 2009. He is the fulcrum of the Arsenal midfield and often dispatches the assists for most of Arsenals goals. His season was blighted by injury last year, so at 10.6 million pounds, he can potentially score a lot for your team.

3) Joe Cole is another midfield legend and has been on Chelsea’s injury table since 14th January, earlier this year. He had an Anterior Cruciate Ligament knee injury, and is expected back on the 12th September, 2009. He has never been a prolific scorer of goals, with 7 goals in the 07/08 season and 8 goals in the in the 05/06 season. His creativity in midfield often helps to unlock defenses, but I can not see him playing every game for Chelsea. With an abundance of talent available at Chelsea, unless there are more injuries, I see him regularly getting rotated around for the remaining games. He may get a prolonged period of time in the first eleven when the African Nations cup starts in January, with a large contingency from Chelsea going missing for a while.

4) Jonathon Woodgate has been suffering from a groin injury since May this year. He is currently expected back on the 20th September, 2009. With more competition for the defensive positions at Spurs, and the current position they are in the league, I can see him coming in and earning points from defensive clean sheets and bonus points on a weekly basis. At 4.9 million pounds now, he should be one to watch out for.

5) Edwin Van Der Sar is Manchester United established first team goalkeeper. He is recovering from a thumb/wrist injury and is expected back on the 3rd October, 2009. He has regularly been one of the top ranking goalkeepers in the game, over the last couple of seasons, and would be a great addition to any fantasy team’s lineup. What I would suggest, is to pick him up when Manchester United have a descent run of easy games.

6) Roque Santa Cruz is expected back from his knee injury on the 28th September, 2009. His previous form at Blackburn Rovers saw him become one of the most bankable forwards, in the Fantasy Premiership game. With an embarrassment of attacking riches at Manchester City - this may limit his first team appearances. With the African Nations cup coming up in January, and Emmanuel Adebayor going to play for Togo - he may then get a prolonged run for the first team then.