Anthony Martial injury: Will Manchester United star be fit to face Bournemouth?

28/12/2018 | Categories: Football | Published by: AC

Updated: 09/10/2024

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In the lead up to Gameweek 19 there was a sudden mad rush to recruit any attacking option wearing the red and black of Manchester United, this following their attacking renaissance under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

Before a ball was kicked at Old Trafford, however, there was bad news for the 250,000 odd Fantasy Premier League managers who had signed Anthony Martial. The Frenchman wasn't in United's squad, let alone their starting eleven.

Ten per cent of FPL managers now own Martial, but the No 11 could be set to miss United's Gameweek 20 fixture against Bournemouth.

How long will he be out for?

Fantasy Premier League tips: 5 players to sign in Gameweek 20

The good news for United and affected FPL managers is that Martial isn't set for an extended period of time on the sidelines.

Speaking to MUTV and Sky Sports ahead of the Red Devils' match against Huddersfield Town, Solskjaer explained Martial's absence.

“He must have had a bad chef over Christmas – he has fallen ill. If it is food poisoning or if it is something else, I don't know.

“Hopefully, he will be fit for the game on Sunday.”

Should I get rid of him?

No.

As Solskjaer said, it sounds like Martial could be in contention for Man United's Gameweek 20 fixture against Bournemouth.

At worst it sounds like he will miss just one more gameweek, meaning it's probably worth keeping him in your FPL team.

Potential replacements

Gylfi Sigurdsson has scored more points than teammate Richarlison, Spurs star Heung-Min Son and 17.3 per cent owned Felipe Anderson this season (Getty Images)

Not wanting to take a chance on Martial's fitness? Sign one of these value midfielders.

Gylfi Sigurdsson (£7.3m) has been consistently excellent for Everton this season, and in Gameweek 19 he delivered his fourth 10+ points total of the season. Sign him for fixtures against Brighton, Leicester and Bournemouth.

James Maddison (£6.8m) has picked up an impressive 76 points for the Foxes so far this season and could enjoy a fruitful run against Cardiff, Everton and Southampton.

Roberto Pereyra (£6.2m) put forward his entry for the 2018-19 goal of the season with an edge-of-the-box peach against Chelsea in Gameweek 19. Consider recruiting him ahead of Watford's fixtures against Newcastle, Bournemouth and Crystal Palace.

i verdict

Martial's participation in Gameweek 20 is still up in the air, but Solskjaer's initial prognosis is promising.

If you already have the forward in your team then keep him, but if you are yet to sign him then it might be best to hold out until Gameweek 21.

Join i's league on the official Fantasy Premier League game to pit your wits against fellow readers – and our hapless sports desk team. Code: 1284313-292880

Join our Facebook group where you can swap tricks and tactics throughout the campaign.

i‘s week-by-week tips:

FPL tips: 5 players to sign in Gameweek 2
FPL tips: 5 players to sign in Gameweek 3
FPL tips: 5 players to sign in Gameweek 4
FPL tips: 5 players to sign in Gameweek 5
FPL tips: 5 players to sign in Gameweek 6
FPL tips: 5 players to sign in Gameweek 7
FPL tips: 5 players to sign in Gameweek 8
FPL tips: 5 players to sign in Gameweek 9
FPL tips: 5 players to sign in Gameweek 10
FPL tips: 5 players to sign in Gameweek 11
FPL tips: 5 players to sign in Gameweek 12
FPL tips: 5 players to sign in Gameweek 13
FPL tips: 5 players to sign in Gameweek 14
FPL tips: 5 players to sign in Gameweek 15
FPL tips: 5 players to sign in Gameweek 16
FPL tips: 5 players to sign in Gameweek 17
FPL tips: 5 players to sign in Gameweek 18
FPL tips: 5 players to sign in Gameweek 19