The Lowdown on Palmer, van den Berg, Munetsi: Must-Know Insights for FPL Gameweek 29!

With four teams sitting out in Gameweek 29, the anticipation for this week's team news has reached fever pitch. For those not opting for the Free Hit chip, each player's availability could make or break a manager's game week. It's unlikely that many non-Free Hitters will boast a luxury bench; the primary aim will be to field 11 active starters, if they can muster that. The pre-match press briefings scheduled for Thursday and Friday promise to shed light on the ever-vexing injury concerns. As always, we'll have our regular updates on both days. In the meantime, let’s delve into the situation across all 16 Premier League clubs set to take the pitch in Gameweek 29. **ARSENAL** The Gunners’ injury report remains much the same as it was for Gameweek 28. Gabriel Martinelli (hamstring) returned as a substitute during the draw with Manchester United and sat on the bench for the midweek match against PSV. “Everyone finished the game against Man United with no issues, so I expect the same players to be available and Gabby for sure will be available as well,” Mikel Arteta stated on Tuesday. Unfortunately, Gabriel Jesus (knee), Bukayo Saka (hamstring), Kai Havertz (hamstring), and Takehiro Tomiyasu (knee) persist in their unavailability, with Jesus, Havertz, and Tomiyasu likely finished for the season. Saka seems a doubtful case for a return before the international break, and Raheem Sterling, on loan, is also unable to feature against his parent club this weekend. **BOURNEMOUTH** Illia Zabarnyi’s return comes after serving his three-match ban. The Cherries will probably miss Marcos Senesi (quad) this week, but he could be back in Gameweek 30 with the necessary fitness checks underway. As for Julian Araujo (hamstring), he was said to be “available” by manager Andoni Iraola before the FA Cup, but suffered a setback in training, leading the boss to mention he wasn’t “100 percent” during last Friday's updates. Adam Smith (hamstring/calf) and Enes Unal (knee) will continue to sit out. **BRENTFORD** Sepp van den Berg (knee) was expected back to training this week, with social media showcasing him back on the pitch. However, it remains to be seen if he’s fit enough for the Bournemouth fixture. Aaron Hickey (hamstring) has made a return after a year-long absence with the under-21s, while Rico Henry (hamstring) is also back in training, though both are unlikely to be in action until after the international break. Igor Thiago (joint infection), Josh Dasilva (knee), and Gustavo Nunes (back) are running but still far from match-ready. Manager Thomas Frank confirmed that Fabio Carvalho has undergone shoulder surgery, and Michael Kayode missed the clash against Aston Villa due to a “minor injury,” but he should be back in time for the trip south. **BRIGHTON AND HOVE ALBION** Tariq Lamptey returns from suspension this week. There are still pending updates on Lewis Dunk (ribs), Joel Veltman (foot), and Matt O’Riley (knee), with Dunk reported to be “closer” last Friday, while O’Riley has been managing a persistent knee issue. James Milner (hamstring), Ferdi Kadioglu (toe), Igor Julio (hamstring), and Jason Steele (shoulder) remain on the longer-term injury list. **CHELSEA** Malo Gusto will miss out again after not featuring against Leicester City despite Enzo Maresca’s earlier optimism. With Marc Guiu (hamstring), Nicolas Jackson (hamstring), and Noni Madueke (hamstring) also sidelined, Mykhailo Mudryk continues to serve a provisional ban from the FA. “The only one that is still injured is Malo Gusto, the only new one. Noni [Madueke], Nicolas [Jackson] and Marc Guiu are still out, but the rest can play,” Maresca confirmed on Wednesday. On a brighter note, Cole Palmer and Reece James seem to have shaken off the illnesses that put them out last week. “Today they [Palmer, James, and Christopher Nkunku] trained with us, and we’ll see tomorrow whether we’ll use some of them,” Maresca added. Omari Kellyman has also made a welcome return from a long-term hamstring injury with the youth team last Friday. **EVERTON** The injury update for Everton remains largely unchanged. The one glimmer of hope is Armando Broja (ankle), but David Moyes indicated that the player is likely to return only after the international break. Iliman Ndiaye (knee), Dwight McNeil (knee), Dominic Calvert-Lewin (hamstring), and Orel Mangala (knee) will stay sidelined. **FULHAM** Sasa Lukic serves the second match of his two-match ban after accumulating ten yellow cards this season. Reiss Nelson (hamstring), Kenny Tete (knee), and Harry Wilson (foot) continue to be unavailable for selection. Adama Traore missed Gameweek 28 following an ankle twist during a cup match against Manchester United. Marco Silva has indicated that Traore has been working individually and is nearing a return. **IPSWICH TOWN** Wes Burns (knee), Chiedozie Ogbene (Achilles), and Sammie Szmodics (ankle) remain on the injury list for the foreseeable future. Axel Tuanzebe (hamstring/thumb) and Ari Muric (shoulder) are also expected to be absent according to Kieran McKenna’s comments last week. Conor Chaplin (knee) was training individually ahead of the Crystal Palace defeat but did not feature. **LEICESTER CITY** The Foxes have only one player currently sidelined: winger Abdul Fatawu, who will miss the remainder of the season due to an ACL tear. **MANCHESTER CITY** Nathan Ake (foot), Manuel Akanji (groin), and John Stones (adductor) are all expected to be out for the medium term. Rodri (knee) is back training individually, but the club is looking toward a later point in the season for a full return. Oscar Bobb (leg/ankle) should be back sooner with a return to training. **MANCHESTER UNITED** Patrick Dorgu concludes a domestic suspension with this match being the final of three following his straight red in Gameweek 27. Although Manuel Ugarte (knock) has returned post absence, Leny Yoro (foot) is now off the roster. There is, however, some brighter news, as Mason Mount (hamstring) is in training and Harry Maguire (knock) may return for Gameweek 29. “Mason Mount is too soon. Leny [Yoro] is out,” said Ruben Amorim on Wednesday. “Harry Maguire cannot play this one, but I hope to have him for Sunday.” Meanwhile, Kobbie Mainoo (calf), Jonny Evans (back), Luke Shaw (hamstring), Altay Bayindir (unknown), and Tom Heaton (unknown) are all sidelined along with longer-term absentees Amad Diallo (ankle) and Lisandro Martinez (knee). **NOTTINGHAM FOREST** Backup keeper Carlos Miguel (hamstring) is the only name on the Forest injury list, leaving them relatively unscathed. **SOUTHAMPTON** Jan Bednarek was substituted due to a head injury last weekend, with Ivan Juric expressing confidence that he would recover in time for Gameweek 29 despite the concussion protocols. James Bree (hamstring) and Ryan Fraser (calf) are the only other players confirmed to be injured heading into the Liverpool defeat. Long-term absentees Juan Larios (unknown) and Ross Stewart (hamstring) have recently rejoined training with the under-21s. **TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR** Just as Spurs welcome back Micky van de Ven and Cristian Romero, they lose another centre-half, Kevin Danso, to a hamstring injury sustained during the recent draw. - Resource: "https://www.fantasyfootballscout.co.uk/2025/03/12/palmer-van-den-berg-the-early-fpl-gameweek-29-team-news/