This international break has been a fascinating one as the World Cup picture continues to come further into focus. Unfortunately, this break has also seen many Premier League players pick up injuries in their quest to help their countries reach Russia next summer.
Significant injuries are always difficult for the players but, like their clubs, we Fantasy owners must put that to the side and figure out the best replacement option. As such, below are three individuals likely to get more playing time as their teammates recover.
Forward: Daniel Sturridge - Liverpool, £7.2m, Owned in 2.05% of teams
Replacing: Sadio Mane
Some may think Oxlade-Chamberlain will get a shot as a like-for-like replacement, but it’s more likely that Firmino is pushed out wide with Sturridge retaking the central striker role. The Englishman has already been getting sporadic starts this season and additional minutes could see his Fantasy output increase significantly.
Sturridge already sits in the top 15 in shots on target despite playing at least 90 fewer minutes than everyone else above him and is top 10 in shot accuracy. Liverpool have created the most chances in the Premier League this season so the 28-year-old should get plenty of opportunities to put the ball in the back of the net.
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Midfielder: Ander Herrera - Manchester United, £5.8m, Owned in 2.06% of teams
Replacing: Marouane Fellaini
One of the biggest surprises in the Manchester United team has been the diminished role of Ander Herrera. He seemed to have his breakout year for Jose Mourinho’s side last season and, with the injury to Fellaini, will have a chance to win his spot back permanently. The Spaniard is a better real life player than Fantasy one but his low price and ownership could make him an interesting differential option. It could be best to wait and see on Herrera though as he faces Liverpool, Tottenham, and Chelsea in the next five matches.
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Defender: Rob Holding - Arsenal, Defender, £5.3m, Owned in 0.9% of teams
Replacing: Shkodran Mustafi
The young defender stepped in to Arsenal’s defence towards the end of last season, starting six of the last seven Premier League matches. Holding helped the Gunners to four clean sheets in just nine total matches last season and picked one up in his most recent start as well. He’s unlikely to contribute much in an attacking sense but he is owned by a tiny percentage of managers and Arsenal have finally climbed back into the top 10 of defences which should give the centre back some sneaky upside in the short term.
