FPL injury update: Isak, De Bruyne, Joao Pedro, Odegaard, Wissa latest for GW5

The dreaded international break has claimed some high-profile victims for Fantasy Premier League (FPL) managers, with a number of renowned stars returning from the two-week pause of domestic football with injury problems.

Ahead of their mouthwatering Gameweek 5 clash on Sunday, both Arsenal and Manchester City were dealt injury problems, while unbeaten Newcastle United and Brighton have their own issues to resolve.

FPL managers have some tough decisions to make before the 11am deadline on September 21, with eight fixtures to come on Saturday and a further two on Sunday. Express Sport looks at the most popular players who could be set to miss out on the weekend’s action.

Alexander Isak

Eddie Howe could be forced to deploy Anthony Gordon up front after injuries to both Isak and Callum Wilson left the Newcastle boss short of options up front. Isak suffered foot and eye injuries in the 2-1 win over Wolves and the Swede is set for a late fitness test, although Howe revealed the issue isn’t too serious.

“He took a knock to his foot. We’ll find out more today and make a decision. Hopefully it’s not too bad,” the Newcastle boss said on Friday. “Callum [Wilson] won’t make the game. Looking at the next international break. We feel we’ve got good cover.”

Isak is the second-highest owned striker behind Erling Haaland on 34.7 per cent, but owners will be left biting their fingernails at the prospect of him missing the game against Fulham on Saturday.

Kevin de Bruyne

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola will wait until Saturday to make a final decision on Kevin de Bruyne as he looks to keep title rivals Arsenal guessing ahead of Sunday’s clash.

The Belgian, 33, was regarded as a major doubt for Sunday’s huge showdown at the Etihad Stadium following his half-time substitution against Inter Milan in the 0-0 draw on Wednesday. But the Catalan gave a glimmer of hope that the playmaker could be included in the squad once he is assessed after training on Saturday.

“Kevin feels a little better, but not yet,” Guardiola told the club’s official website. “Tomorrow we train and we will see. He could be involved.”

De Bruyne has an impressive record when facing Arsenal, scoring eight goals and providing four assists in 15 matches against them, so the Gunners will be desperate to avoid facing the experienced pass-master.

Joao Pedro

The Brazilian striker rejoined first-team training ahead of Brighton’s clash with Nottingham Forest on Sunday and Fabian Hurzeler urged for caution to be taken with the 22-year-old, he could play some part.

“He will train today with the team, then we have to see how it’s going – if he can train fully, if he can do all the movements,” Hurzeler said. “Of course we won’t take any risk but he will be part of the training today.”

With 30 per cent of FPL bosses owning the Seagulls striker, they will be desperate to see him start alongside Danny Welbeck at the Amex Stadium.

Martin Odegaard

Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard is set for a prolonged spell on the sidelines where the Gunners captain will miss a host of matches in the coming weeks.

The Norwegian, 25, is hoping to be back in action in eight weeks after sustaining ankle ligament damage on international duty with Norway. Mikel Arteta recently stated that he hoped his skipper would not be out of action for ‘months’, but his absence creates a problem for FPL owners who were looking for the midfielder to shine against City.

It is thought Odegaard could spend around two months on the sidelines if his recovery process goes to plan, with the home meeting with Nottingham Forest on November 23 a potential return date for the Arsenal leader.

Yoane Wissa

Brentford sold Ivan Toney and watched his replacement Igor Thiago pick up a long-term injury. Now, the Bees have been stung again by the absence of Wissa, who has already bagged three goals this season.

Thomas Frank bemoaned the absence of the Frenchman, who at 5.9 per cent ownership and a £6.1m price tag has proved to be a strong addition for FPL managers, as he looks to find a solution with Kevin Schade likely to play up front with Bryan Mbeumo.

“When it rains it definitely pours. But it is what it is, we need to deal with it, it is my job. As coaches we think about what our strongest line-up is and how exciting that team is but, in reality, most of the time you miss, one, two or three players.

“It is a big part of the head coach’s job to deal with that and find solutions when you have eight first-team players out and it seems like it keeps continuing.”