⏪ Ten Hag talks injuries plus Maresca on Reece James fitness

The Premier League managers face the press ahead of domestic football’s return this weekend,

Ipswich boss Kieran McKenna is still searching for his first PL win, and has some injury concerns in East Anglia.

“Jens [Cajuste] is not fit yet, but will hopefully train with the group next week”, while “Massimo [Luongo] picked up an injury in the Aston Villa game, so he’s also unavailable for this game and probably the next period of games. We also have some other issues that we’re assessing currently.”

Meanwhile, Axel Tuanzebe’s recovery “could be a few months, maybe less if the recovery goes well” after nearly losing his thumb in a freak accident.

📸 Alex Broadway – 2024 Getty Images

Finally, Unai Emery has confirmed a massive improvement on the injury front for Aston Villa.

“[Boubacar] Kamara and [Tyrone] Mings for this match they are available and are going to try with us for Fulham. [John] McGinn is training normally with us and he’s feeling good. [Ezri] Konsa as well is feeling good, Jaden [Philogene] is feeling good. I think it’s the first time this year we more or less have every player available.”

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On Wharton, Glasner added: ‘He is ready, but it’s always the same: we have to manage him. He saw another specialist, so it’s always up-and-down. He trained quite well this week; he’s in good shape, so it’s OK.’

Meanwhile, Oliver Glasner has confirmed that winless Crystal Palace are likely to be without Cheick Doucouré against Nottingham Forest, though Adam Wharton should be available.

No new injuries, so that’s a positive thing’, he explained. ‘They all came back from their national teams in good shape.’

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Onto Fulham now, and impressive midfielder Sasa Lukic will miss their game against Aston Villa, alongside fullback Timothy Castagne.

Silva: “Lukic is out. It was a mixed int’ break. Players got minutes. [Harry} Wilson, Raul [Jimenez], AP [Andreas Pereira] were all important. Lukic will be out and Castagne will be out too.”

The Fulham boss added that “It was tough for Bassey and Iwobi when they came back. But they are available to play. Robinson played one half, and Raul played too. They are both ready.”

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A little more on Shaw and Malacia here:

“They are back, but we can’t force their return. We have to do it very careful because we don’t want them to return + quickly drop out. We hope to do it ASAP because this team needs a left full back, that is for sure.”

Meanwhile, Ten Hag would not be drawn on either Luke Shaw or Tyrell Malacia, who are yet to feature this season.

‘We can’t force their return; we have to be very careful. But of course, we hope to do it as soon as possible.’

📸 TOBIAS SCHWARZ – AFP or licensors

But amid the noise, there is good news as the United boss reveals that Noussair Mazraoui is available for selection after initial fears suggested he’d be sidelined for several weeks.

Unfortunately, Harry Maguire and Kobbie Mainoo are still some way off recovering.

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🗣️ Erik ten Hag has come out firing after question marks over his job, accusing the media of lies and fairytales.

“Noise is only coming from some of you (media), creating stories and fairytales, bringing lies. (Some) Journalists didn’t believe me. I saw the reports. Of course, we are unhappy with the position where we are. Ultimately, we are quiet and composed. We stick to the plan and are very convinced it will be a success.”

United are currently 14th and have won three games across all competitions this season. Select an Image📸 Carl Recine – 2024 Getty Images

But Gary O’Neil’s Wolves side cannot catch a break…

Still without a win this season and bottom of the Premier League, they are now set to be without Hwang Hee Chan after he suffered an injury on international duty.

“There is something there – damage to the ligament on the inside of his ankle – from now, a couple to a few weeks”, the Wolves boss explained.

📸 PAUL ELLIS – AFP or licensors

Now it’s Postecoglou’s turn for some good news….

“Son is good, worked hard this week. He is good to go”, he tells reporters.

“We’ve taken our time with [Richarlison] and we have taken time to build his fitness base up. He has worked hard, trimmed down and looks lean now. He’s good to go now.”

“Lucas Bergvall picked up a knock but trained this morning and there are no problems.”

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Meanwhile, another long-term absentee could see Premier League action this weekend, this time at the Vitality Stadium.

Bournemouth boss Andone Iraola has confirmed that Tyler Adams could make his return after 18 months out.

“I think everyone is going to be available”, he told reporters.

A little more on Reece James, who is set to be limited to just one game a week.

“The solution with Reece is what we are using with Romeo and Wes, using them just one game a week. Reece’s body [currently] cannot play twice a week.”

Enzo Maresca is now speaking to the media, and in major news for Chelsea fans he confirms that club captain Reece James is fit and available once more.

“Finally all our players are available, no injury. Also Reece James has returned as part of the group”.

James is yet to feature this season thanks to a hamstring injury, but could return against Liverpool.

📸 KAMIL KRZACZYNSKI – AFP or licensors

Guardiola insisted that he is yet to make a decision on his own future despite previous links with the England role.

“I have made NO decision yet at this stage. When I decide, I will inform the club and then the press… that’s why there is no news, and that’s why I don’t have to add absolutely anything else”.

“The next game is my only focus”.

Meanwhile, the City boss dodges two separate questions on whether he was approached for the England job, saying:

“Thomas Tuchel is the England manager, let’s congratulate him. I wish him and England the very very best.”

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Guardiola is here, and he confirms that both Nathan Aké and Kevin de Bruyne will not be available to start this weekend.

On the Dutch defender, he adds “maybe he can travel but to start he is not ready”.

Meanwhile, he also notes that the Brazilians (Savinho and Ederson) and Akanji are both in need of looking after following their international exploits.

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Here’s who we are still expecting to hear from today, starting quite soon…

Liverpool boss Arne Slot has also faced the media, discussing Chelsea’s form and the contract situations around some of his star men.

That’s all available here.

📸 PAUL ELLIS – AFP or licensors

We’ve already had Mikel Arteta provide the latest on his Arsenal side, including the fitness of Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli and more…

You can catch up on that one here.

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Hello and welcome to OneFootball’s coverage of Friday’s Premier League press conferences. We’re expecting plenty of updates across the top flight starting with Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola.