Premier League news LIVE: Erling Haaland latest and injury updates from today’s press conferences
The Premier League is back following the international break as Manchester City’s clash with Liverpool kicks off the weekend’s fixtures
Manchester City striker Erling Haaland, Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard and Manchester United goalkeeper Andre Onana are set to be fit as the Premier League returns from the November international break this weekend.
All three players withdrew or were absent from their international squads over the past fortnight but are set to be available for their respective fixtures. Haaland was considered to be an injury doubt after picking up a knock in Norway’s friendly win against the Faroe Islands, but Pep Guardiola is hopeful he will be ready to face Liverpool in Saturday’s top-of-the table clash.
The battle between Guardiola and Jurgen Klopp kicks off when should be a fascinating run of fixtures leading up to Christmas and beyond. Along with the fight for first place, there’s the battle for fourth with Aston Villa, Manchester United, Newcastle and Brighton all chasing down Tottenham who currently sit in the final Champions League place. Villa face Spurs this weekend while United host Everton.
Speaking of the Toffees, they are once again in the midst of a relegation battle having been deducted 10-points for breaking the Premier League’s financial rules. The deduction sees them drop down to 19th above Burnley, and puts them two points away from safety.
Follow along for the latest updates and injury news from the Premier League:
Luton fined after homophobic chanting from fans
Luton Town have been fined £120,000 after “homophobic” chanting from travelling fans during their first Premier League fixture against Brighton.
The club, who earned elevation to the English top flight for the first time since 1992 earlier this year, accepted a charge brought by the Football Association (FA) in relation to behaviour at their 12 August trip to the Amex Stadium.
Luton have also been warned about their future conduct and issued with a two-year FA action plan.
Luton fined after homophobic chanting from fans
The club admitted an FA charge in relation to their 12 August fixture against Brighton
Manchester City vs Liverpool
By far the most exciting fixture of the weekend is the clash between Man City and Liverpool. However, Liverpool last beat City at Etihad Stadium in the Premier League eight years ago.
The Reds won 4-1 that day in 2015, with Philippe Coutinho and Roberto Firmino grabbing two of the goals. None of Liverpool’s starting XI from that victory are still at the club.
It’s been a long time coming but will Jurgen Klopp’s men get another win this weekend?
No updates on Isak
A glaring omission from Eddie Howe’s statements this morning was an update on Alexander Isak.
The striker injured his knee in Newcastle’s clash against West Ham and the manager failed to reveal whether he was fit to play this weekend or if the 24-year-old is still on the sidelines.
Other absentees are known though as Dan Burn (back), Sven Botman (knee), Jacob Murphy (shoulder), Harvey Barnes (foot) and Callum Wilson (hamstring) are all out.
Mikel Arteta reveals Martin Odegaard and Gabriel Jesus updates before Brentford clash
Arsenal are hoping both Martin Odegaard and Gabriel Jesus will be available to face Brentford on Saturday, as Mikel Arteta confirmed goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale will start with David Raya unable to face his parent club.
Odegaard has not started a Premier League game since the 2-2 draw at Chelsea on October 21, with the Arsenal captain missing the last three fixtures before the international break due to a concussion and hip problem.
Jesus, meanwhile, has been sidelined since injuring his hamstring in the victory in Seville last month, although the striker returned to action as he played the full match in Brazil’s 1-0 defeat to Argentina on Tuesday night.
Mikel Arteta reveals Martin Odegaard and Gabriel Jesus updates before Brentford clash
Arteta also confirmed that Aaron Ramsdale will start, with David Raya unable to face his parent club
Lewis Hall to miss Chelsea match
Newcastle’s Lewis Hall won’t be able to play against his parent club Chelsea this weekend and will be watching from the sidelines as Eddie Howe attempts to get one over Mauricio Pochettino.
“His commitment to his training and all the work he’s done behind-the-scenes has been really good.” said the Newcastle boss, “He’s a talented young player for sure. He has a beautiful left foot and he’s got a high level of technical ability.
“There is a real high potential with him. I think there is a few of his areas of his game that need smoothing out and improving but that would be no different to any other young player.
“We really do believe in him.”
Arteta on Everton’s 10-point deduction
Mikel Arteta, a former Everton player, also spoke about the club’s 10-point deduction for breaking Premier League financial rules saying: “I feel very connected to the club and it is a very difficult moment as it puts the club in a difficult position.
“But they have found themselves in a difficult position before and managed to get themselves out.
“If there are qualities that describes that club it is the coverage, determination and the fight. They will fight against anything and I wish them the best.”
Newcastle have a busy month ahead
Newcastle manager Eddie Howe on the month ahead: “It’s going to be a demanding month for us, especially with the Champions League and League Cup involvement.
“We have given ourselves a real intense period. An even bigger challenge with the absentees we have but we roll with it, we go with it.
“The players we have fit and available are very strong.”
Arteta on FA charge
Arteta was also charged by the FA for his comments about the officiating in the Gunners’ defeat to Newcastle. The Arsenal manager was asked his thoughts on the charge and replied:
“We tried to give our points and our reasons why. There is a process and when you get asked to give your observations you have to do it in the right way.
“I think it’s good that we’re communicating. We all want to improve the game. To have that we have to have freedom of speech respectfully and in a constructive way. It’s good that they are talking.”
Does Tomiyasu have an Arsenal future?
Takehiro Tomiyasu has fallen down the pecking order at Arsenal with most of his recent appearances coming from the bench.
Rumours are popping up saying that the defender is looking at options for a January move and Mikel Arteta was asked about those this morning.
“I really want him to stay.” he said, “I value the player a lot. He’s loved and respected by everybody at the club. He’s at the level we need to make an impact on the team. He’s going to be with us.”
Arteta gives update injury updates on Martin Odegaard, Gabriel Jesus and Ben White
During his press conference, Mikel Arteta was asked about the status of some of Arsenal’s key players including Martin Odegaard, Gabriel Jesus and Ben White.
All three are racing to be fit for Saturday with the Gunners boss seemingly confident that he would be able to call on them if needed.
Here’s what he said:
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