Updates on the roster for this weekend's FA Cup game
Injury Updates Ahead of FA Cup Fifth-Round Matches
With the FA Cup fifth-round fixtures just around the corner, several key players are set to return from injuries, while others will miss out due to various reasons. Here's a roundup of the latest injury news:
Arsenal
Laurent Koscielny, who has been sidelined with a knee injury, is expected to miss only one week for the Gunners. However, Per Mertesacker remains out long-term due to an ankle problem, according to manager Arsene Wenger. Meanwhile, Carl Jenkinson (back), Andre Santos (ankle), Abou Diaby (hamstring), and Jack Wilshere (ankle) are still unavailable. Gervinho returns from African Nations Cup duty, and Thierry Henry has completed his loan spell.
Chelsea
Moisés Caicedo, who suffered an ankle injury during the Club World Cup semi-final, appears to have recovered and is likely to be fit for upcoming matches. Didier Drogba and Salomon Kalou will only be available for Chelsea in midweek after returning from African Nations Cup duty. There is some doubt over the availability of John Terry and Ashley Cole due to knee and calf injuries, respectively. Manager Andre Villas-Boas has cast doubt on Terry's availability for both the FA Cup game and the Champions League clash at Napoli. Ramires could return from a knee injury for Chelsea's FA Cup fifth-round game against Birmingham.
Everton
Everton's key players appear fit with no new injury alerts. Dwight McNeil had an injury-impacted 2024/25 season but led pre-season minutes, suggesting fitness. Steven Pienaar will miss Everton's FA Cup fifth-round tie against Blackpool due to cup-tied rules. Seamus Coleman could feature after overcoming a thigh problem, while Shane Duffy has an ankle complaint and is injured for the game. Landon Donovan is available but illness could rule him out.
Liverpool
No recent information is available regarding Liverpool's injury status ahead of their FA Cup fifth-round fixtures.
Sunderland
Sunderland will be without Wes Brown (knee) and Titus Bramble (Achilles/calf) for their FA Cup fifth-round tie. Lee Cattermole could return from a hamstring injury, and Matthew Upson could be involved after serving a European ban. Tyrone Mears is facing more time on the sidelines after suffering a setback in his recovery from a broken leg.
Stoke City
No relevant injury updates for Stoke City's players were found in the search results. However, manager Rafael van der Vaart has failed to overcome a calf injury and will miss their FA Cup fifth-round game. Robert Huth will sit out the second of his three-match domestic suspension. Tim Ream and Ryo Miyaichi could make their first starts for Bolton in their FA Cup fifth-round game.
Tottenham Hotspur
There is no injury update available from the search results in relation to Tottenham's FA Cup or fifth-round matches. The focus was on transfer news with Heung-Min Son leaving the club. Ryan Nelsen should start his first game for Tottenham, while Ledley King is likely to be rested. William Gallas (calf) and Tom Huddlestone (ankle) are out, and Younes Kaboul is struggling with a knee injury. Nicklas Bendtner is back in training but ineligible for Sunderland's FA Cup fifth-round game against Arsenal due to loan rules. Joe Riley may feature for Bolton, having regained his fitness after a groin problem. Dean Whitehead's fitness must be checked after a nasty gash to his leg in a challenge. Kevin Davies is ruled out due to a knee injury.
Norwich City
James Vaughan will be in Norwich's squad after five months on the sidelines with a knee injury. Daniel Ayala and Zak Whitbread are still unavailable for Norwich due to hamstring injuries.
For the latest and detailed updates, checking each club's official channels closer to match day is recommended.
- For Arsenal, Laurent Koscielny is expected to return from a knee injury in the upcoming matches, but Per Mertesacker remains out due to an ankle problem.
- Chelsea's Moisés Caicedo seems to have recovered from his ankle injury and might be available for the FA Cup matches, while Ramires could return from a knee injury for their fifth-round game.
