Diogo Jota was a standout player for Wolves during last year’s successful promotion campaign, scoring 17 and assisting five in the Championship.
And from Gameweeks 23 to 25 the Portuguese star showed signs that he was translating this form to England’s top tier, racking up three goals and a pair of assists in just three games.
Unfortunately for Wolves fans – and Fantasy Premier League managers who have drafted Jota into their squad – the 22-year-old could now be set for a spell on the sidelines after he picked up a knock against Everton.
How serious is the injury?
Ahead of Wolves’ FA Cup replay against Shrewsbury Town, Nuno Espirito Santo provided an update on Jota’s injury.
He said: “With Jota, it was a kick in the game against Everton. He didn’t train today, he’s improving, but we have made a decision not to involve him tomorrow [against Shrewsbury].”
Jota wasn’t included in Wolves’ FA Cup squad and by the sounds of it now faces a fitness race to feature against Newcastle on Monday evening.
Should I remove him from my FPL squad?
No, stick with him.
Judging by Nuno Espirito Santo’s comments, the decision not to include Jota against Shrewsbury was cautionary and, whether or not the Newcastle game comes too soon for him, he should be fit before long.
With a kind run of fixtures coming up – Wolves face Bournemouth, Huddersfield and Cardiff in the next few weeks – it would be foolish to make a knee-jerk reaction over Jota’s inclusion in your squad, especially given his bargain £6m price tag.
Wait for a further update from the Wolves manager on Jota’s fitness before making a decision on his inclusion in your starting XI.
Potential replacements
Lucas Torreira (£4.8m) and Arsenal are set to embark on a very kind run of fixtures starting with a trip to Huddersfield Town. Sign the Uruguayan as a cheaper alternative to Jota.
Joao Moutinho (£5.3m) has quietly enjoyed a strong debut season at Molineux and in recent gameweeks has emerged as a reliable source of points for FPL managers. The Portuguese has laid on a remarkable five assists in his past three games.
Matt Ritchie (£5.8m) has failed to justify his FPL price tag so far this season, managing just 65 points. But in recent gameweeks Ritchie has shown signs of promise, picking up 23 points in five games. Select him ahead of Newcastle’s run of fixtures against Wolves, Huddersfield and Burnley.
i verdict
Diogo Jota will face a last gasp push to be fit in time for Wolves’ fixture against Newcastle.
But given Wolves’ pleasing run of fixtures and Jota’s current run of form, it’s worth keeping the former Porto player in your squad.
Decide whether to play him in your starting XI following Nuno Espirito Santo’s press conference on Friday.
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.
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