FPL Injury Update Ahead of Gameweek 1: Which Players Are Injured?

With the start of the 2025/26 Fantasy Premier League (FPL) season right around the corner, FPL managers everywhere are glued to their screens for the latest FPL injury updates. Worrying about last-minute injury news is a staple of the FPL experience, and this year is no different. Whether you’re locked in a mini-league battle or aiming for overall glory, keeping up with Fantasy Premier League injuries will help you make those crucial transfer decisions, lock in the right captain, and steer clear of potential zero-pointers.
Remember: a strong start can set the tone for your entire season, so being up to date with Premier League Fantasy injuries is a must for anyone chasing that perfect predicted Gameweek 1 squad.

What Are the Major Fantasy Premier League Injuries Before Gameweek 1?

Let’s talk about the big injury headlines that will directly impact your FPL team selection. Some highly owned players are set to miss out, while others face late fitness tests or could be eased in slowly.

• Gabriel Jesus (Arsenal): The Brazilian striker has suffered a knee injury and, according to recent reports, is likely to be on the sidelines heading into the first few gameweeks. His absence means FPL managers need to look at alternate options up front and possibly consider a switch to someone like Eddie Nketiah or a midfielder instead.
• Levi Colwill (Chelsea): Colwill has picked up a knee injury, too, with no clear timeline for recovery yet. Chelsea’s defensive setup might see a reshuffle, so keep an eye out for who steps in or if Reece James/Petrevic gets extra FPL minutes. To help you pick a suitable replacement for Colwill, refer to our Best Defenders to pick for Gameweek 1.
• Phil Foden (Manchester City): Foden’s ankle problem has thrown him into doubt for Gameweek 1. This is a big hit for managers banking on the City man’s attacking returns. With Guardiola’s rotation and other attackers fit, you might want to rethink a City triple-up, at least for the opener.
• James Maddison (Tottenham): Maddison is another popular pick who has picked up a knee injury. His creative spark is vital in Spurs’ midfield, and this may open up opportunities for someone like Kulusevski or could lead managers to look elsewhere.
• Anthony Gordon (Newcastle): Gordon’s leg problem makes his Gameweek 1 involvement uncertain. Eddie Howe was optimistic, but nothing’s concrete yet. If ruled out, Harvey Barnes or Miguel Almirón could get more time on the pitch. To figure out who to sub in as a replacement, we've curated a Top 5 FPL Forwards for Gameweek 1 list.
• Joe Gomez (Liverpool): He’s facing a knock, but Liverpool’s defensive depth means you may want to stick with the likes of Alexander-Arnold or Van Dijk for safety.

In addition, several fringe players and squad options around the league remain doubtful. Preseason injuries and late fitness calls mean managers will need to stay vigilant up until Friday’s deadline.

Team-Wise FPL Injury Updates

Injury woes aren’t striking every club equally. As things stand, teams like Arsenal, Tottenham, Chelsea, and Newcastle have at least one big absence, while clubs like Burnley, Everton, and Aston Villa offer managers largely fit squads (for now). This means picking players from healthier sides may be the smart move for Gameweek 1, though it also drives the transfer market for popular replacements.

Injured Players Across All 20 Premier League Clubs

Below is your quick-reference table summarising the FPL injury updates for every Premier League club ahead of Gameweek 1. For each injury, you’ll find the expected return (if known), plus a sensible replacement to consider.

How You Should React as an FPL Manager

It’s crunch time for FPL managers. Here are a few tips based on this week’s FPL injury news:

• Monitor Press Conferences: Updates can arrive minutes before the deadline. Bookmark trusted news sources.
• Prioritise Fit Players: If a player’s injury is ambiguous, avoid risking a blank—even for big names.
• Spot the Replacements: Injuries mean cheap options, and bench fodder could step up. Keep your eyes open for budget assets in line for increased minutes.
• Consider Starting XI Rotation: Managers may ease stars back in after injury; don’t expect 90 minutes for everyone!

Gameweek 1 is always unpredictable, and injuries add an extra twist. Just remember, staying up to date with FPL injury updates will give you the edge over your rivals and keep your Fantasy Premier League season on track right from the first whistle.