LEICESTER City star Jamie Vardy could have his shot at history postponed this weekend after withdrawing from international duty with a hip injury.
Vardy is looking to become only the second player in Premier League history to score in 10 consecutive matches, equalling Ruud van Nistelrooy’s record at Manchester United.
However, ahead of Leicester’s trip to St James’ Park to face Newcastle, Vardy has been listed as a 50/50 chance to take his place in the Foxes line-up.
As we turn back to club football after the international break, here’s a whip around all 20 Premier League clubs in our Casualty Ward.
ARSENAL
The Gunners are hopeful Aaron Ramsey (hamstring) and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain (hamstring) will be back following the international break, while defender Hector Bellerin (groin) should also be fit. It’s worse news for the likes of Jack Wilshere, Tomas Rosicky and Danny Welbeck, who won’t return until the new year.
ASTON VILLA
Imposing striker Rudy Gestede returned from international duty with a knee injury and is unlikely to feature this weekend. Villa manager Remi Garde will be hoping Gabriel Agbonlahor (calf) is fit to take his place, while Ashley Westwood (concussion) remains touch-and-go.
BOURNEMOUTH
Newly-promoted Bournemouth is still dealing with season-ending injuries to Callum Wilson, Max Gradel and Tyrone Mings.
CHELSEA
Eden Hazard suffered a fever while away on international duty, but has returned to training and should be okay. Thibaut Courtois is still a few weeks away with a knee injury. Kurt Zouma and Radamel Falcao should be fit, despite slight knocks.
CRYSTAL PALACE
Zippy striker Dwight Gayle is doubtful to feature this weekend with a hamstring injury, while Marouane Chamakh is still out with a hamstring problem.
EVERTON
Experienced defender Phil Jagielka remains out with a knee problem, which sidelined him from featuring in England’s friendlies against Spain and France. Leighton Baines is nearing a return from a few months out with an ankle injury, but young defender Brendan Galloway should be fit.
LEICESTER CITY
Star striker Jamie Vardy is battling a hip injury that ruled him out of England duty, but will be desperate to play in an attempt to score in his 10th straight game. He’s been listed as 50/50. If he does miss the match, it will only postpone his attempt at history, not stop it. The mark, set by Ruud van Nistelrooy, is for goals in consecutive games played.
Adam Peacock, Simon Hill and Richard Bayliss are on deck for this week’s Fox Football Podcast.
LIVERPOOL
The Reds have the longest injury list in the Premier League. Jordon Ibe (knee) and James Milner (hamstring) are facing late fitness tests ahead of this weekend’s game. But Mamadou Sakho, Danny Ings, Jordan Henderson and Jon Flanagan remain out. However, in a boost for Jurgen Klopp, Daniel Sturridge got through a full contact training session during the week and is in contention for a shock return for the clash with Manchester City.
“I’m fit and ready to go and it’s going to be a great time for me,” said Sturridge.
“It’s been great under the new manager. I’ve been back training for the past couple of days and I was training when he first arrived.
“It’s an exciting time to be at the club and I’m enjoying working with him and the style of football. It’s important for us to understand what he wants us to do.”
MANCHESTER UNITED
Young striker Anthony Martial left France’s friendly with England on crutches due to a foot injury and is in doubt to feature this weekend. “He is in quite a bit of pain,” France manager Didier Deschamps said. “I think it is a knock to the top of his foot.” Michael Carrick was another to come back from international duty with an injury, suffering an ankle problem, but should only miss a fortnight. There are also concerns for Chris Smalling, who missed England’s game with Spain and Mourane Fellaini missed Belgium’s camp. Antonio Valencia, James Wilson and Paddy McNair remain the longer term injury list.
MANCHESTER CITY
Good news for Manchester City fans ahead of the weekend, with David Silva likely to return from an ankle injury. Sergio Aguero could also find his way back into the fold, but it remains unlikely. Pablo Zabaleta, Samir Nasri and Vincent Kompany should also be available for selection. However, Wilfried Bony (hamstring) is in doubt, meaning Aguero’s availability becomes even more important.
NEWCASTLE
The goalkeeping crisis at St James’ Park could arise again, with Rob Elliot battling a hip knock. With first-choice Tim Krul out for the year, 18-year-old Freddie Woodman is on standby. Other than that, there’s no new players on the injury list for Steve McLaren following the international break.
NORWICH
Nathan Redmond is battling a thigh injury, but should be fit for this weekend.
SOUTHAMPTON
Dutch defender Virgil van Dijk should be fit to play this weekend, despite picking up a knock while on international duty. Shane Long should also be okay after suffering an ankle injury, but there is not yet a return date on Jay Rodriguez’s comeback from an ACL injury.
STOKE
A relatively clean bill of health for the Potters, with veteran keeper Shay Given the only worry.
SUNDERLAND
All good on the injury front for the Black Cats, with Lee Cattermole expected to recover from a groin problem.
SWANSEA
All clear for Garry Monk as he looks to turn Swansea’s form around.
TOTTENHAM
Spurs suffered two injuries over international break. Erik Lamela has a muscle strain, which forced him out of action with Argentina. Meanwhile, Mousa Dembele suffered a calf problem which also meant he was made to sit out of Belgium’s matches.
WATFORD
No new concerns for Watford. Jose Manuel Jurado (hamstring) and Joel Ekstrand (knee) remain on the long-term injury list.
WEST BROMWICH ALBION
Ben Foster is on the long-term injury list, while Chris Brunt is facing a battle with a groin injury.
WEST HAM
Gun new signing Dimitri Payet does not need surgery on an injured ankle, but will still miss a sustained period. Enner Valencia will also miss six weeks with an ankle injury. Diafra Sakho is touch-and-go with a hip problem.
source - fox sports